Clay County

‘He was everything good in me’: Family remembers 18-year-old shot and killed in Green Cove Springs triple shooting

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — UPDATE: The Green Cove Springs Police Department gave Action News Jax the following statement regarding the shooting:

“This case is still active so we can not give much information. We are still following leads and will advise of any new arrests via our social media platforms.”

Original Story from Nov. 22 below:

Townsend graduated from Orange Park High School a year and a half early with dreams of one day attending Louisiana State University.

Family members said he loved animals, especially snakes.

The 18-year-old was shot and killed in a triple shooting on Center Lane in Green Cove Springs last Tuesday.

Townsend’s family sat down with Action News Jax’s Robert Grant and described the teen as an intelligent and positive individual.

”We loved him. He just had a way about him that would make you laugh,” Nikki Miller, Townsend’s mother, said. “I just want to know what happened to my son. Why?”

Green Cove Springs police announced two arrests in the case on Sunday.

Both suspects were charged with armed robbery.

However, Townsend’s family members said they still have many unanswered questions.

”We have suffered the ultimate loss,” Shane Crawdoug said. “I would say we’re angry. We want justice, and we deserve to know the facts.”

The shooting happened at around 6 p.m. last Tuesday.

Townsend and another victim were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Townsend died at the hospital, according to police, and a third victim with a gun shot wound also showed up for medical treatment.

Townsend has an older brother and sister, as well as younger brothers.

They said he actively created videos on the social media platform, TikTok.

”He loves making those videos, and he would just make you laugh. That’s the only thing carrying me through this,” Miller said.

A viewing will be held Nov. 28 at 529 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, Fl 32073.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the expenses.

So far, the family has raised more than $2,000 as of Sunday evening.

You can click here to donate to the family.