The 16-year-old charged in the shooting death a Jacksonville toddler is being held on no bond.
Henry Hayes IV, 16, was arrested in the shooting death of a 22-month-old in January during a shootout. Hayes is charged with murder in connection to the crime.
Hayes’ family was inside the courtroom bright and early Friday morning. Family members tell Action News Jax he had nothing to do with the death of little Aiden McClendon.
In a quick conversation Friday morning, Henry Hayes III, who is the father of Hayes IV, said, “He’s innocent. I’ll talk to you later."
Sheriff Mike Williams announced on Thursday that Hayes IV was charged with murder. Also arrested in Aiden's death was D'Angelo Antwain Wilson, 23, charged with accessory after the fact.
Police said Hayes IV is a member of the Problem Child Entertainment Gang. They said he shot and killed Aiden back in January during a rival gang shootout.
Police say the intended target was Aiden’s older cousin, Reginald Williams, who allegedly is a member of the Out East Gang.
On Friday, Hayes IV stood front and center before a judge. That judge read off the list of charges he’s facing and denied bond for the murder charge. His family told him they loved him before he left the court room.
Action News Jax spoke with Hayes' family outside the courtroom. His mother walked by the camera, but Hayes' sister spoke.
"He's innocent. I know he's innocent. He's innocent. He'll be home," said Cynthia Hayes.
"They'll let the other rival gangs know what's going on, or what's up if you will, or what they're intending to do," said Ken Jefferson, Action News Jax crime and safety expert.
Jefferson said the message is being relayed and portrayed in rap music videos.
"Gangs have been around here in Jacksonville for quite some time," said Jefferson.
But Jefferson said there's another target for these gangs when it comes to getting future members to join.
"I have seen them reach out to young people as young as 9 years old," said Jefferson.
The gang members are targeting teens and pre-teens, and they're using rap music videos to get their attention.
"A lot of young people are intrigued by rap artists, the lifestyle that they think they live. They want to mimic that, but when you look at these young African-American males here in Jacksonville, as well as across the United States, who don't have a father figure or a male figure in their life, they go astray," said Jefferson.
Williams said as of now, the Out East Gang has about 60 members, the Problem Child Entertainment Gang has 16. Meanwhile, police say they are looking for other gang members who may have ties to Aiden’s death.
Cox Media Group
