JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is hearing from teenagers who were in the room when a 17-year-old was shot and killed Saturday in Argyle Forest.
Police say Malik “Momo” Warthen was playing video games with friends when he was shot in the head.
Michael Sadler, 17, was arrested and charged in the Malik Warthen’s death.
“My brother gone and I basically never see him again,” said Malquis Warthen, Malik Warthen's brother. “My brother died right behind me. I was in front of my brother. I was right there in the room with him."
Police said the shooting happened just before noon Saturday. Malik Warthen was playing video games with a group of teenagers. That's when Sadler grabbed a gun and shot Malik Warthen in the head, according to police.
“Still seems so unreal. I had just spoken with my nephew the day before yesterday. He was supposed to come to my house this weekend,” said Anthony Atwater, Malik Warthen's uncle.
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Malik Warthen's brother and cousin said they would often come home from school and play video games at the home where the shooting took place. They said Saturday was like any other until the tragedy happened.
“I had to watch the whole thing happen,” said Joshua Brown, Malik Warthen's cousin.
“We didn't only lose one family member, we lost two. Michael was also family to us as well. They were very close, Malik and Michael,” Atwater said.
Malik Warthen's family is still trying to understand what happened and how to move forward.
“Like, I thought it was a dream for a second. I had to come to my senses and realize it was real. My older brother gone,” said Malquis Warthen.
Police said the handgun used in the shooting was found in a neighbor's yard. Sadler is charged with manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
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