‘Senseless murder’: 7-year-old dead, man hospitalized after shooting on Commonwealth Avenue

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This is a developing story. Check back for updates as the investigation continues.

Community members, family and city officials are mourning the loss of 7-year-old Breon Allen, who was killed in a shooting Friday.

UPDATE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 3:21 P.M.: Jacksonville City Councilmember Ken Amaro issued the following statement regarding the shooting:

“When will it end? When?

Another young innocent life lost to senseless violence on our streets. A child who will not grow up to live his full potential. My heart goes out to the family of 7year old Breon Allen.

“On Friday, this young and full of life and potential child was killed by a hail of bullets, and the 21-year-old he was with was critically injured. The cowards behind this dastardly deed are still on the run.

“As a dad this breaks my heart, and as a Jacksonville resident, I am frustrated as hell. This must stop; it has to stop. I stand with Sheriff TK Waters in his pursuit of the suspects, and I pray he brings them to justice swiftly.”

UPDATE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 1:18 P.M.: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has identified the murdered 7-year-old as Breon Allen and the critically injured 21-year-old as Lafayette Mango Jr.

In a statement posted on social media, JSO states that they have recovered the shooter’s vehicle, but are still working to identify multiple suspects and potential weapons.

JSO calls for any information that can lead to the arrest of any suspects, and they are offering a $18,000 reward for any eligible information that leads to an arrest.

UPDATE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 10:24 A.M.: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan released the following statement regarding the shooting:

“Our city mourns the heartbreaking loss of a seven-year-old boy whose life was tragically taken in a senseless shooting. This heartless violence has absolutely no place in our city. I am praying for his family as they experience the unthinkable pain of losing a child this way, and I urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.”

A 7-year-old boy is dead, and a man is in the hospital after a shooting on Friday afternoon, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

JSO said the child and 21-year-old man were leaving a house on the 2200 block of Commonwealth Avenue around 5 p.m.

Surveillance video from a neighbor shows the two victims walking along the sidewalk as they left the home, and then a dark-colored car driving up behind them.

The car is believed to be a Kia Soul.

In the surveillance video, more than 20 gunshots can be heard and someone yelling “it’s a little boy!”

Shortly after, both victims were taken to the hospital, but the child died.

We spoke with nearby neighbors, who were shocked by the situation.

“It’s very unfortunate. I know that there is a really big family that lives in the house that unfortunately got targeted today.”

“I was told that this neighborhood got a lot better over the past couple of years so for it to kind of take a turn like that, it was, it was kind of upsetting. I think the most upsetting part was seeing the kid in front.”

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During a news briefing, JSO said they believe the 21-year-old is a “known gang associate” and officers are following up on related leads.

JSO received information that suggests both victims are related, but they haven’t confirmed the relationship.

Police think there were multiple shooters. Shell casings suggest rifles and handguns were fired.

“My heart goes out to the family of the victim of this senseless murder,” said Sheriff T.K. Waters. " Anyone that callously opens fire on a 7-year-old cannot be allowed to walk the streets of our city. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”

There were more than 30 officers investigating in the area Friday night.

If you know anything, you can contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500. You can also remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

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