Parents, nonprofits push for youth mentorship after Jacksonville teen killed, another wounded in weekend shootings

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Recent shootings in Jacksonville have left a teenager dead and another wounded in separate weekend shootings, prompting parents and local nonprofits to step up efforts to prevent more violence.

The mother of 19-year-old Jakari Wyche said her son was shot multiple times Saturday just before 6 p.m. on West 17th Street after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a ShotSpotter alert. He was taken to a hospital where he died. His mother, Nigeria Wyche, said this is something no mother should experience

“Now this where we at — I have to bury my son and it hurts,” she said. “I got to bury my son, it don’t supposed to be like this. I’m not supposed to be burying my child.”

Wyche said her son had been “just in the neighborhood just walking” when he was shot, and she demanded justice for his death. She urged young people to put down guns and avoid revenge.

“These kids, these young kids, man, put these guns down, man. Ain’t nothing worth revenge,” she said. “Keep going, and JSO, somebody need to hold them accountable.”

Local organizations are working to reduce crime and violence among younger generations. Sara Alford, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, said research shows many teens in Florida lack mentorship and that the group aims to fill that void.

“We know based on research that one in three young people are growing up today without a positive mentor outside of their home, and so that is a big focus for Big Brothers Big Sisters — just trying to connect more of our young people with a positive pairing champion,” Alford said.

JSO said the state’s attorney’s office and the medical examiner’s office are assisting with the investigation.

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month, and the century-old nonprofit plans events across the state to help teens find mentors and positive role models.

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