JACKSONVILLE, FL – A city known for its vibrant culture and bustling streets was overshadowed by tragedy and violence when two separate shootings involving Jacksonville police officers occurred within 12 hours of each other. In both incidents, officers were forced to open fire on armed suspects, with one suspect fatally shot and an officer injured in the other encounter.
While the community grapples with these events, another case has taken a step toward resolution. The family of 7-year-old Brion Allen, a young boy who was tragically caught in a crossfire while walking down a Jacksonville street in January, is seeing justice unfold. Four men have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with his death.
Zared Sykes, Keith Johnson, Keith Fields, and Daniel Larkins are the individuals now in custody. Their arrests bring a complex mix of emotions for Brion’s parents, who have endured weeks of heartache since losing their son. “Every day is not a good day for me. We all took a big hit,” said Brion’s mother, Kachina Love, reflecting on the difficult weeks following the incident.
Love and her family were present at the sheriff’s office when the arrests were announced, marking a rare moment of relief amidst their grief. Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters emphasized the city’s stance against violence, declaring, “This community will not submit to brutality.” He revealed that the intended target of the shooting was Lafayette Mango, who was with Brion at the time and was injured during the attack.
Sheriff Waters described the four suspects as known gang members involved in continuous criminal activities. “These guys don’t operate with just one target,” he stated, vowing that more arrests would follow to curb the violence plaguing the community.
Despite the pain, Love is determined to honor her son’s memory. She plans to keep Brion’s name alive through positive initiatives and events. “Expect to see things in his name,” she said, committed to turning the tragedy into a force for good.
As the legal process unfolds, Love intends to attend any trials that may occur, seeking answers to lingering questions about her son’s death. Her resolve underscores the strength and resilience of a family navigating the aftermath of unimaginable loss.