JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The name ‘Rashaud Fields’ echoed throughout the streets of the Northside on Friday night. A rally brought dozens out in his honor with a message to end gun violence.
His mother spoke publicly, letting everyone know the pain doesn’t go away.
“I’m a grieving mom and y’all don’t want to be in the shoes I’m in, okay? Nobody should have to bury their kids,” she said.
Fields were gunned down in a Highlands neighborhood just hours after receiving his diploma from Raines High School. He was a football player for the Raines Vikings with plans to take it to the next level. His head coach, Donovan Masline, said it breaks his heart knowing those plans were cut short.
“His number ‘53′ will be painted on the field at every home game. Everybody will understand the success, the hard work he put in right out here,” Masline said.
His murder marks the 54th in Jacksonville, eight of those deaths were teenagers. As of June 3 last year, there were only 46.
Councilman Reggie Gaffney showed up to support. He says a key component to working through gun violence is speaking up.
“If you see something say something, we have to stop this because it may be you the next time,” he said.
Number 53 was honored in several ways Friday night, through marching, prayer, and song. Fellow graduate Jasmine Evans said she misses her friend.
“I love Rashaud to death, that was my buddy,” she said. “I loved everything about him. He was a good soul, he was kind, he was sweet.”
Nobody has been arrested in connection to his murder, and his mother sent a plea for help and for a safer community.
“Put the guns down and stop the violence,” she said.
If you know anything about what happened, you’re urged to call the police.
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