The family of a man who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident last week on MLK Parkway is appealing to the community for any information regarding the incident.
According to the police report, on September 26th at approximately 11 a.m., a 911 call came in reporting a shootout between individuals in two separate vehicles on the Eastside of Jacksonville.
Shortly after, another call reported that an individual had been shot inside a vehicle, which subsequently crashed near the intersection of 3rd and Bridier streets.
The victim, identified by his family as 28-year-old Demetrius Dunn, passed away in the hospital.
The police have stated that they have not yet determined a motive and are actively seeking the suspect.
Dunn’s family vehemently asserts that he was not involved in any exchange of gunfire, but was instead the victim of a senseless act of violence, one he did not deserve.
They fondly remember Dunn as someone who consistently brought joy to his cousins’ lives. He cherished his family and took great pride in being a protective older sibling.
His cousin Connie Thurston emphasized his purposeful and intentional nature.
“We lost our grandma, November 19, last year. And I expected him to crumble because, like, she’s been a big part of his life. But he’s like, No, I gotta, I gotta keep going, I gotta do this for my grandma,” Thurston said.
Their family has experienced significant grief, and the recent loss of Dunn to gun violence has been incredibly devastating for them.
“Nobody wants to hear that their family member has been murdered. There’s someone out there who purposely done this and they’re just walking free,” Thurston said.
Thurston emphasized that there’s knowledge out there, and she hopes the city’s residents will show greater concern for these circumstances.
If you possess any information, kindly reach out to JSO’s non-emergency line at 904-630-0500. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can utilize CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
Dunn’s passing represented the 19th shooting within a span of six days, elevating the total number of individuals shot to 301 for the year up until that point.
