JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A father was shot and killed early Monday morning while inside his Moncrief home with his son, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.
The boy, who News4Jax was told is about 8 to 10 years old, witnessed the shooting and called 911 about 2:30 a.m. to report that his father was hit, according to police.
When rescue personnel arrived at the home on West 26th Street between Chase Avenue and Stuart Street, the little boy led them to the back bedroom. That's where they found his father lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the police report.
The boy was not injured.
His father died. Family members identified him as 49-year-old Johnny Duncan, who had three children. His sister said his wife wasn't home at the time because she had a baby Sunday and remained in the hospital.
"It's sad," said Sharon Kirkland-Vaughan, a family friend, told News4Jax. "The baby will never know who his father is."
Kirkland-Vaughan said she was heartbroken that Duncan, who she had known for 40 years, was shot to death in his bedroom.
"Great guy. Great heart," Kirkland-Vaughan said. "We just need a citywide prayer. We have to do something about this feeling. It has to stop. You’re taking our babies. You’re taking our husbands, brothers, sisters. We’re tired."
Police spent hours at the scene, looking for evidence and interviewing residents who live nearby.
After the crime tape came down, News4Jax found at least three bullet holes in a front window of the home.
"That could've been my child," said a neighbor, who was too afraid to give her name. "Luckily, my child isn't here in Jacksonville. But it's just heartbreaking to know that the 8-year-old witnessed his father's own death. I'm thankful to God that they didn't kill the baby, because nowadays, they're just killing people, loved ones like it ain't nothing."
Neighbors expressed concern for the man's young son.
"It's going to haunt that child, probably for the rest of his life," said another neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous.
Police have not released a description of the gunman, and detectives continue to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
