During Jacksonville’s first Community Crime Prevention Walk, Rose DeVoe shared her grief and plea for justice following her son Gabriel’s killing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office held its first Sheriff’s Community Crime Prevention Walk of the year in Arlington, bringing deputies face-to-face with neighbors along Merrill Road.

Among those walking Saturday morning was Rose DeVoe, a mother who says her 23-year-old son was killed in that very ZIP code.

“Gabriel kissed my right cheek one morning and he never came back home, so I am out here today because I think it’s important to be present. I know that there are many victims in the county and they reside in all ZIP Codes.” said DeVoe

DeVoe’s son, Gabriel DeVoe, was shot and killed in an Arlington apartment parking lot in November 2022, just one semester away from graduating from college. She says he had come home for a simple visit when his life was cut short.

“Gabriel had his whole life in front of him. He was about to graduate from college. He was about to embark on everything that he works hard for and they made a decision they had no right to make and I’m going to be certain to let them in the eyes and let them know what they took from us and they took Gabriel.”

She joined other residents at Saturday’s walk, pleading for someone to come forward with information in her son’s death.

“It wasn’t easy for me to get up this morning, knowing that my son was killed in this very ZIP Code” said DeVoe

The walk was led by Sheriff T.K. Waters, who says community engagement is critical to public safety.

“The police department and the sheriff’s department does not stand on its own. It is only as good as one the public approval that we have into the public that participates with us to be able to solve crimes and fix issues and we’ve had a lot of great public participation.”, the sheriff said.

DeVoe says her message is simple: if you know something, say something.

“Families are counting on you. My family is counting on you. You can make a difference for us. You can bring us peace.” said DeVoe

The Sheriff’s Office says more crime prevention walks are planned throughout the year in different parts of Jacksonville. Anyone with information in Gabriel DeVoe’s case is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.