JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was shot and killed Saturday night, hours after an annual neighborhood party on the Eastside of downtown, according to organizers.
Police were called to A. Philip Randolph Boulevard around 9:50 p.m. and found a man in his early 20s who had been shot. He was taken to University of Florida Health Jacksonville, but died from his wounds.
Police say up to 1,000 people were at a block party after the daylong event at A. Philip Randolph Park.
During the party, dozens of shots were fired. At least 47 shell casings were left at the scene. Some of the bullets went through nearby windows.
Detectives said that they have few leads in the case, and no witnesses have come forward despite the number of people hanging out at the party during the time of the shooting.
Organizers of the 8th Annual Eastside Reunion said they have not had such violence occur after their gathering before.
"Young people now have a little or no value for the lives of others, and they solve their problems with guns. It is very sad to see, especially so close to home," said Suzanne Pickett, chair of the Eastside Community Coalition.
Neighbors said the reunion is a family function that happens during the daytime with children and a big cookout at the park.
"It had nothing to do with the Eastside reunion. And I do you send my condolences to the family of the young man who did lose his life, but It had nothing to do with the Eastside Reunion as it ended around 7:30 or 8 p.m.," said neighbor Alice Kimbrough.
Some business owners in the area said they heard the shooting around 10 p.m. but didn't see it happen.
Police don't know who fired the shots and are asking for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is are asked to contact JSO or CrimeStoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
Investigators have marked the scene, which shows how the bullets hit the concrete from an angle, leaving long scratch marks from the impact.