JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Lenny Curry declared Sunday, April 24, through Saturday, April 30, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Jacksonville.
The mayor announced the proclamation at a news conference Monday morning at City Hall to recognize crime victims as part of Jacksonville’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This observance aims to bring awareness to the struggle of victims in the Jacksonville community while recognizing the importance of helping them rebuild their lives and the services and programs available to assist them.
At the news conference, Jimmy Smith told his story of forgiveness in front of a group of elected leaders and others. About 32 years ago, he was shot in Arlington.
“When I stepped out of my apartment, two masked men came from around from another car and robbed me and shot me three times,” Smith recounted. “And they left me for dead.”
He is now paralyzed.
Those men have never been found. Smith found something in his heart that he shared Monday, hoping other crime victims can learn from it.
“I had to forgive. It was very hard, but I did it and I am at peace with it now,” Smith said. “So I just go about every day going about my day, thanking the Lord for sparing my life 32 years ago.”
News4JAX asked Smith how it felt telling his story.
“I was just telling how it happened. I wasn’t shameful. I wasn’t embarrassed. It’s just something that happened in the society that we live in,” Smith said.
His story highlighted the thoughts of city leaders, including State Attorney Melissa Nelson, about what victims of crime can expect in Jacksonville.
“For survivors, the road to justice is much more uncertain, and it can only be navigated with access to information, support from our community partners -- many of you in this room -- and understanding the courage to step forward,” Nelson said.
In his current role with the city’s Disabled Services Division, Smith is there to help others.
News4JAX asked him what he would want to tell the two men if they are caught.
“Well, I look at it now that the damage has been done and I cannot forget that because I see the results every day, but I would really want to know is what did you see that I had that you wanted?” Smith said.
While that question remains, Smith is ready to help others survive.