The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is identifying the woman shot in the head during a block party on June 13 as Cassandra Brown, a woman in her 60s.
A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Brown’s friends called her “Shawty.” They said she was someone who always had your back in a time of need or cheered you up when you needed it the most.
A memorial is growing in the neighborhood where Brown was killed, as her loss has shaken this entire community.
Roderick Dorsey is now left with only the memories of his longtime friend.
“Wonderful person. The community is gonna miss her. The community is really gonna miss her,” Dorsey said. “Shawty was a good person.”
Brown was shot while sitting in a chair on the sidewalk during the block party with over 100 people at Grothe and Eaverson streets, according to police. Investigators said a ShotSpotter notification alerted officers to the shooting.
Friends who were there said Brown was listening to music and hanging out with people, something she always did.
“Shawty was a fun-loving person,” Dorsey said. “Every person that was around Shawty, they were around Shawty because she was Shawty. Shawty can come sit right here, minding her business and before you know it, it’s a table full of people sitting around her. They play cards, talk trash and drink. She was a cool person.”
Friends like Dorsey said Brown was the kind of person who could bring people together. Now, they’re left with heartbreak and questions.
“My heart goes out to her family. They are devastated,” he said. “If you know something, say something.”
Police have not said what may have led up to the shooting or provided a description of the shooter.
Anyone with information in the case can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477 (845-TIPS) or text **8477 to remain anonymous and be eligible for rewards. Or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org or rewards@fccrimestoppers.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Block party shooting victim was ‘wonderful person,’ Jacksonville community shaken
Reporting by Christina Burgess / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
