Family of teen killed in Lakeshore pleads for information

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The family of a 15-year-old who was shot and killed in Lakeshore on Wednesday is asking anyone who knows what happened to come forward.

Johnnie Carter was shot and killed early Wednesday morning, just down the street from his house on Vista Avenue south of San Juan Avenue.

“We don’t know what to think. We don’t know what to do. We’re horrified,” said Cater's aunt, Sharon Quigley. “We’re getting everything from the news, the detectives aren’t telling us a whole lot."

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Carter was involved in an altercation before he was shot.

They’re still looking for a suspect.

"Why anybody would ever do that to a child, I don’t know,” said Danielle Buckler, Carter's older cousin.

She said Carter was a good kid.

“He would play in the neighborhood, he would skate," Buckler said. "He would hang out with all of the kids."

She said his family is not handling his death well.

"Especially his mother," said Buckler. "They’re not handling this well at all.”

She wants anyone who knows what happened to come forward.

“If it was an accident, if it was on purpose, whatever happened, just let the family be at peace, so we can know,” said Buckler.

Zach Linke said he was with Carter an hour before he died.

“We came back here and I dropped him off and my last words to him was I’ll see you later homie,” said Linke.

Johnnie Carter

Linke said he won’t see him again but will hold onto the memories of his good friend.

“(He was) arrogant at times, but he was a fun little guy, brought life to people,” said Linke.

A candle light vigil for Johnnie Carter is planned for Thursday night at 7 p.m. at  United Methodist Church on Blanding Boulevard.

Anyone who has any information about the deadly shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000.

Cox Media Group