In a disturbing trend in Jacksonville, Florida, the past six months have seen at least five young children fall victim to unintentional gunfire, leaving families devastated and a community in shock. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has reported only a single arrest in these heartbreaking cases, underscoring the challenges faced in combating such senseless violence.
A Series of Heartbreaking Incidents
Among the victims was three-year-old Kae’Lynn Matthews, tragically killed in a shooting at a Southside apartment complex in September, where two adults also lost their lives. Kae’Lynn’s family, speaking to local news, expressed their profound grief and called for justice. Kae’Lynn’s grandmother, Valencia Strowder, reflected on the community’s loss, emphasizing the broad impact of such a heinous act.
Merely four days later, the community was shaken again when 6-year-old Mi’King Sims was fatally shot, and his 12-year-old sister injured, while they slept in their Lackawanna home. A stray bullet, penetrating the walls of their apartment, was the cause of this tragedy.
Sheriff’s Office Response and Community Outrage
These incidents have sparked a strong response from Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. In a news conference, he expressed his deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Sheriff Waters condemned the violence and the subculture that fuels it, assuring the community that such acts will not be tolerated.
Ongoing Investigations and Appeal for Public Assistance
Despite the efforts of JSO, most of these cases remain unsolved and active. The shootings continued, with at least two more children caught in the crossfire. This includes a two-year-old boy who was shot in the leg while watching TV in his Hogan’s Creek home in December, a victim of stray bullets from outside.
The sole arrest made by JSO in these series of shootings was in the case of 12-year-old Lilchelle Johnson, who was injured in August in Northwest Jacksonville. Darion Sumpter, 21, was apprehended for the crime, accused of accidentally shooting the child while attempting a robbery.
The Larger Picture and Available Resources
This string of incidents in Jacksonville reflects a larger, troubling trend identified by the CDC, which found firearms to be the leading cause of death among young people aged 19 and under. To address the aftermath of such tragedies, resources are available to the victims and their families. Organizations like the Jacksonville Urban League offer support through the criminal justice process, victim advocacy, and assistance with applications for victim compensation.