JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Community members gathered Saturday to demand answers in the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old father in Jacksonville’s Grand Park neighborhood, as the case remains unsolved nearly three weeks after the incident.
Baron Greenwade III was found suffering from a gunshot wound inside a vehicle on Oct. 6 on West 17th Street. He later died from his injuries.
Family and friends, wearing shirts bearing Greenwade’s image and the words “Forever 21,” held a prayer vigil where they shared memories of the young father. His two-year-old daughter was present at the gathering.
“We have a child that is going to grow up without a father. That’s heartbreaking for everybody that’s out here. We need to catch that killer for her,” AJ Jordan, Outreach Coordinator for Men Against Destruction - Defending Against Drugs and Social-disorder (MAD DADS), which helped organize the event, said.
According to JSO investigators, the shooting occurred around 1 p.m. on Oct. 6. Officials say witnesses reported hearing gunshots and a vehicle flee the scene, though no arrests have been made.
Jordan emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. “My message to the community if we want a safe environment for our children, for our grandmothers, for our aunts, for everybody, we have to speak up we can’t let killers take over our city,” he stated.
MAD DADS announced plans to continue their efforts to solve the case. The organization will conduct a community walk canvas on Nov. 8, distributing flyers throughout the neighborhood to gather additional information.
The group is encouraging anyone with any information to reach out to JSO.