On Friday, January 24, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., a tragic shooting occurred on Commonwealth Avenue in Jacksonville's Westside, resulting in the death of 7-year-old Breon Allen and critical injuries to his 21-year-old cousin. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO), as the two were leaving a residence, a vehicle, believed to be a Kia Soul, approached. Multiple individuals exited the car and opened fire using both handguns and rifles.
Breon's mother, Casheena Love, recounted that they were en route to a nearby corner store when the gunfire erupted. She described her son as "a very happy child" and "a superstar in football [who was] very well-known through the city because of his stats." She emphasized the need for community assistance to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The 21-year-old cousin, who remains unnamed, sustained critical injuries and is currently hospitalized. JSO indicated that he is believed to have gang affiliations. Several homes in the vicinity were also struck by bullets, but no additional injuries were reported.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan condemned the act, labeling it as "heartless violence" and called upon the community to aid in apprehending those responsible. JSO Sheriff T.K. Waters expressed his commitment to justice, stating, "Anyone that callously opens fire on a 7-year-old cannot be allowed to walk the streets of our city."
A neighbor, who witnessed the incident, described seeing two individuals exit a black vehicle, one armed with a shotgun and the other with a handgun, targeting what appeared to be two or three people. The neighbor, who has lived in the area for nearly a year, expressed shock, noting they had never witnessed such violence before.
Authorities are actively seeking information related to this case. Community members with any knowledge of the incident are urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. The collaboration and support of the community are vital as investigators work diligently to ensure justice for Breon Allen and his grieving family.
This tragic event underscores the pressing issue of gun violence affecting innocent lives in Jacksonville. The loss of a young child has deeply impacted the community, highlighting the urgent need for collective efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts.
