JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The parents of 7-year-old Breon Allen Jr., who was shot and killed in late January, said they felt thankful Wednesday after learning the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office made four arrests in connection with their son’s murder.
RELATED | 4 arrested in connection with tragic shooting death of 7-year-old Breon Allen
During a news conference, Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the arrests of 18-year-old Keith Fields, 20-year-old Dannel Larkins, 21-year-old Keith Johnson, and 24-year-old Zharod Sykes.
All four suspects are now facing several charges in connection with the shooting that killed Allen Jr. and seriously injured his cousin, 21-year-old Lafayette Mango, on Jacksonville’s Westside.
Following the announcement, Allen Jr.’s parents, Casheena Love and Breon Allen Sr., expressed their gratitude to their loved ones, the community, and JSO for their efforts in bringing justice to their son’s murder.
“Surprised that they came to the conclusion very early in the case because a lot of people don’t get this type of justice. So, I am very thankful and humbled,” Love said.
Watch JSO’s full announcement in the video below
On Jan. 24, Allen and Mango were walking out of a home on Commonwealth Avenue when a car, believed to be a Kia Soul, pulled up. People then got out and started shooting, JSO said.
Mango and Allen were taken to the hospital after the shooting. Allen died at the hospital.
“It was a targeted, planned act, one with which, during the murders, clearly saw Breon walking innocently with the intended target, Lafayette Mango,” Waters said on Wednesday.
Love said she was surprised to learn four people were arrested in connection with her son’s murder.
“I was thinking maybe two or three, but I’m very surprised that there’s four,” Love said.
Love said the most important thing for her and her family is to keep her son’s name alive.
“Say his name every day, post him every day, talk about it every day. Just keep his name alive and just, you know, be expecting things, to see things in his name, because I’m definitely going to turn this into a positive situation,” Love said.
Allen Jr.’s parents said they will attend court if the suspects go to trial.
“Because I have some things I want to say and I have some questions on my own,” Love said.
All four suspects are facing second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted first-degree murder charges, JSO said.
Waters said the arrests “won’t be the last” in connection with Allen Jr.’s murder.