JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Talisse Patterson, who was shot and killed early Sunday near the Arlington Expressway. Those who loved her remember her for her smile, her kindness, and the light she brought into every room.
Tori LaRosa, a friend who has known Patterson since they were in fifth grade, said she is in complete shock that Patterson is gone. She described her friend as a positive person who could brighten up a room with an infectious smile.
“She was sunshine personified,” LaRosa said. “It’s so unfair. She was seventeen. She was such a good person and she didn’t deserve what happened to her.”
JSO says a dispute broke out between people waiting in line to get into a Halloween party near the 6200 block of Arlington Expressway. That’s when gunfire erupted, killing Patterson and injuring two others. Police say all three victims were unintended targets and were not involved in the dispute.
Tori’s mother, Keya LaRosa, said, “This is so sad. Our children are dying over nonsense, over foolishness.”
She said Patterson, who was nicknamed “Smiley,” would often come over to her house. She said watching her daughter grieve has been heartbreaking.
“I pray that they can get through this, because this is hard. This is very hard to lose a child,” Keya LaRosa said.
They hope people can come forward to help find those responsible for the shooting. “Her name cannot go unnoticed. Her name should be spoken loudly,” Keya LaRosa said.
Police are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information or video from that night is asked to reach out to police.
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