JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is hoping an increased reward will help them bring those responsible for killing a child last week to justice. Seven-year-old Breon Allen was shot to death Jan. 24 outside of his home near Commonwealth Avenue and Almeda Street on the Westside
Jacksonville police said the child was with his older cousin, Lafayette Mango Jr. Police said the drive-by shooting was “gang-related” and Mango, a known gang member - was the shooter’s intended target.
>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The reward the Breon’s killer was upped Thursday from $18,000 to $25,000. “We will not rest until the criminals who killed 7-year-old Breon Allen on Friday, January 24, are behind bars,” a JSO Facebook post announcing the increased reward states.
Dozens of people, including members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Mayor Donna Deegan, attended a candlelight vigil Thursday at Johnnie Walker Park to remember Breon’s short life.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
“I’m sorry we have failed you once again,” Deegan said to Breon’s family at the vigil. “I’m sorry for that beautiful little boy.”
Deegan told the crowd of mourners she wants to do everything she can to curb gun violence in the city.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1.866.845.TIPS, visit FCCrimeStoppers.com, or using the free P3 Tips app.
Read: Convicted killer Aiden Fucci transferred to different prison to continue serving life sentence
Read: Palm Coast woman arrested in St. Augustine, accused of sex offense against 13-year-old boy
Read: SJSO: Ole Miss player Khari Coleman arrested, charged with indecent exposure
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
