Vigil honors 4-year-old boy who Jacksonville police say was murdered

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family and loved ones gathered Friday night to honor the life of a 4-year-old boy who Jacksonville police say was murdered.

The family told News4Jax that James Reese Jr. died last week from internal injuries. They held a vigil for him at the beach and say they want justice in his death.

“I want him to be remembered as a brave little boy, because he had to be brave to endure what he endured,” said Cristopher Nastasi, the boy’s uncle. “He was full of energy and life.”

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Nastasi said James was rushed to Wolfson Children’s Hospital on April 15 and that the boy died from his injuries Wednesday. The boy had injuries all over his body, including a fractured collarbone and head trauma.

“I can honestly say I have never in my life witnessed something so horrific, so sad,” Nastasi said.

Nastasi said doctors told the family that this likely wasn’t the first time someone physically hurt James.

“Some of the fractures were old, likes weeks-old fractures,” he said.

Nastasi says the Department of Children and Families took James and his three siblings away from their mother last year and that they had been staying with a relative.

News4Jax on Friday evening visited the Westside home where James lived for the past few months. No one answered.

Siena Rito, who lives in the neighborhood, said he would ride bikes with James.

“Sometimes he just likes riding on the front of my bike,” Siena said. “He’s my friend.”

Nastasi hopes his nephew is free from the pain and hopes whoever took his smile is held accountable.

No arrests have been announced. News4Jax has requested more information about James’ death from both the Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office.