JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is searching for the people who shot and killed a child and another man last night on the Westside.
The victims are seven-year-old Breon Allen and 21-year-old Lafayette Mango Jr. who was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Officers said they have recovered the car the shooter drove off in.
Now, everyone in the Jacksonville community is devastated. They said they are disgusted with this level of violence to have a seven-year-old shot and killed during a gang-related drive-by.
Read local reaction and statements from state and city officials here.
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The boy’s mother, Casheena Love said she is still in shock, but thankful for JSO and the community’s immediate attention.
“He was a football superstar for the community. He was a very well-known, respectful straight-A student,” said Casheena Love, Breon Allen’s mother.
Casheena Love said her son, Breon Allen had a love for football, especially the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a bright future ahead of him.
“They took someone away that could’ve really put this city on the map. My baby was a superstar. He was going to the NFL, no doubts about it. They killed a legend at 7 years old.”
Casheena said her son was walking to his grandmother’s house with his cousin, Lafayette Mango Jr. when they were gunned down.
She said the two were together daily.
“This is everywhere. Kids and innocent people are being gunned down and killed for no reason.”
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Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officers confirm this is gang-related and the intended victim, Mango, is a well-known gang member.
“Everybody has trauma now because of the decisions you made to bring that seven-year-old out with you, knowing that you’re involved with illegal gang activities. Now the whole community is hurting,” said Aj Jordan, outreach coordinator with Mad Dads.
Jordan said he is mortified the shooters still opened fire when a child was right next to their target.
Now, he said the whole community is waiting for their arrests.
“There’s nowhere for you to hide, so turn yourself in. Do the right thing and take accountability for what you did. You took a seven-year-old’s life,” said Aj Jordan.
There is now an $18,000 reward to find these shooters.
Tips can remain anonymous. Officers and community members are pleading for anyone who has information on the suspects and the case to contact JSO or CrimeStoppers.
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