Jacksonville homeowner destroys memorial where son slain, parents say

A local mother and father are fighting to keep their son’s memory alive.

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The couple says the memorial they built to remember their son was dismantled by a homeowner who says it was placed on private property.

The city of Jacksonville says based on photos, it appears the memorial is on city property. The city generally respects the family's right to memorialize their family members.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole spoke to the parents and the city to get answers about who owns the land.

Anja Johnson held back tears as she explained the importance of the memorial for her son, Christopher Michael Blesset.

"It means a lot. My son got shot here," Johnson said. "All his friends come here and sit with him like he's still here."

Johnson said his sister created the memorial as a way to try and cope with his death.

“It's the only memory we have right now, you know? The last time we actually saw him alive right there,” said Antwain Issack Moore, his stepfather.

Johnson told Action News Jax Courtney Cole parts of his tribute were thrown away like trash.

“The neighbors seen the owner of the property just put his stuff  in the trash," Johnson said. "She literally had to stop him and said 'Don't do that, it is a memorial. Somebody died right here."

Johnson believes the memorial is on city property.

As shown in the video, there’s a JEA sewer hole right next to the memorial. That's why she believes the owner of this home shouldn't be able to touch it.

"He just wants it gone because he wants to sell the house,” said Johnson.

Action News Jax is also waiting to hear back from the homeowner.

Johnson and Moore say they just want to be able to keep their son's memory alive -- and keep the peace.

“You can just contact us and let us know what's going on. If it's a big problem, we can go from there,” Moore said.

Cox Media Group