JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A young man on a path to serve our country was gunned down Saturday night while working at a Burger King on Jacksonville’s Westside, his mother tells News4JAX.
Matthew Jackson, 18, was fatally shot around 8:30 p.m. at a Burger King restaurant on Blanding Boulevard near Collins Road, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Another man was wounded in the shooting but is expected to recover, police said.
They announced Sunday night that 28-year-old Dawud Burritt had been arrested in connection with the double shooting.
Jackson’s mother told News4JAX her son was a senior at Riverside High School and was scheduled to be sworn into the military next week, as he planned to join the Marines after graduating this coming May.
Jackson’s mom described him on social media as a “good soul.”
She also told News4JAX that she wants the community to know how grateful her family is for all the support and prayers. She asked that people continue to keep them in their prayers during this time.
“We offer our condolences to Jackson’s loved ones and wish a speedy recovery for the other victim in this act of violence,” JSO said on social media.
According to Burritt’s arrest report, Jackson was shot when he tried to break up a fight between Burritt and another man inside the restaurant.
Burritt was arrested just one day after the shooting, but News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said speed isn’t the most important thing in a homicide investigation.
“The idea behind making an arrest isn’t to make an arrest, it’s to get a conviction,” Hackney said. “It’s to get a successful prosecution. Until either a plea comes through or a jury says guilty, the homicide investigator’s job isn’t done.”
A spokesperson for Burger King released the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family, friends, and Team Members impacted.
The Franchisee is cooperating with local authorities and offering counseling support to Team Members. The safety and well-being of everyone in Burger King restaurants is our top priority, and the restaurant will continue to follow security protocols while reviewing any additional measures with law enforcement.
If you have any information that will help with the case, call 904-630-0500 or remain anonymous by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
Additionally, a GoFundMe has been set up by Jackson’s family to help with funeral expenses. For those who would like to donate, that link can be found here.