Jacksonville, Florida – The 157th homicide in Jacksonville in 2023 left the community shocked and saddened with the loss of 16-year-old Derek “Dibbs” Pitts, a student at Beachside High School in Saint Johns. The tragic incident occurred during an altercation between two groups of young people outside the Coopers Hawk apartments on Old St Augustine Road. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that someone pulled out a gun and fired, resulting in Pitts being struck. It is still unclear whether Pitts was the intended target or if he was involved in the altercation.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the case, detaining several witnesses to piece together the events leading to the fatal shooting. At this time, no description of the shooter or further details have been released. However, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has announced a reward of $10,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in the case.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the call for justice grows stronger. Authorities urge anyone with leads in the case to come forward and provide assistance to bring closure to the Pitts family and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The increased reward demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to solve this case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of gun violence on communities, especially among young individuals. The senseless loss of life has sparked outrage and calls for action to address the root causes of such violence. The community must come together to support the affected families and work towards creating a safer environment for everyone, especially for the youth who deserve to grow up without the fear of violence.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial for the community to stand united in demanding justice and for individuals with information to come forward and assist law enforcement in their investigation. The impact of this incident extends beyond the immediate family and friends of Derek Pitts, reminding everyone of the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such senseless acts of violence.