'Violence multiplies': Bitter feud surrounding boy's death leads to public retaliation shootings

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said a bitter feud led to the death of Tashawn Gallon, 7, in February 2018.

Retaliation shootings have sent bullets flying in public areas, like where 30-year-olds Etrice Inman and Silas Ervin were killed Easter Sunday night after leaving a party.

That shooting occurred near Lem Turner Road and Dunn Avenue.

Officers said Ervin was there the day Gallon was killed.

It’s a concern for Doyle McClendon, who frequents the area with his son.  He also has a daughter on the way.

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“It’s a shame, really,” McClendon said.  “It’s very disappointing that that’s how people do, and they don’t care.  And that’s just unfortunate.”

Unfortunate and dangerous, said MAD DADS Jacksonville Chapter President Donald Foy, who has seen these shootings play out in busy Jacksonville areas.

“Right in the public, where bullets could have flown and hit in a house or somewhere else,” Foy said.

Foy is stressing more community engagement with the police, to break the so-called “code of silence.”

McClendon wants to see that happen, too, to create a better Jacksonville for his growing family.

“People just need to speak up.  Speak up,” McClendon said.

“Utilize your voice to help the community.  Don’t hinder the community by keeping quiet because then it’s only more violence,” he added.  “Violence multiplies.”

Cox Media Group