JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office began investigating two cases Wednesday morning that were blocks apart in Northwest Jacksonville. One case involved the death of a 16-year-old boy.
Officers went to the area of 12th and Detroit streets for what had been reported as an apparent suicide. JSO also was called to the intersection of 13th and Canal streets around 6:30 a.m. after a 911 call came in about shots fired in the Grand Park area.
Officers arrived to find a body in the road with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim is 16-year-old Devron Crowden, who friends knew as "Big Baby."
Crowden's mother had just dropped him off near the bus stop to catch a bus to Raines High School.
Duval County School District spokeswoman Tia Ford said grief counselors are at Raines High School helping students through the tragedy.
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A small prayer group from Hebron Church of God in Christ made its presence known in Grand Park Wednesday. "This community needs you Lord," they prayed.
The church sits just steps away from where Crowden's body was found. Pastor David Bennett remembers hearing at least 15 rounds of gunfire.
"I was getting down at that point because I heard the rounds going off, so I was getting down and my kids were getting down, too, in the house," said Bennett.
Beverly McClain, CEO of Families of Slain Children, visited with Crowden's mother Wednesday. She said violent crime is happening far too often.
"I was just standing back looking at the community in that area and hearing the frustrations of the people. It hurts," said McClain.
Darryl Alston's children attended school with Crowden. He said the incident hits close to home.
"This young man grew up in this neighborhood, played football with my son, and it's hitting so close to home because I have a son who goes to school with him. That could've very easily been my son," said Alston.
JSO said it was going to canvass the area searching for witnesses who may have seen something that could help them crack this case. So far there are no suspects.
Bennett said stopping the violence that has gripped his community can only be achieved if everyone pitches in.
"We have to come together. One person can't do it; we can't expect the sheriff's office to do it all," said Bennett.
If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. If your tip leads to an arrest, you could receive a reward of up to $3,000.
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