JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of a 52-year-old woman who was fatally shot during the hate-filled attack in Jacksonville has retained renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them as they seek justice for their loved one’s death.
Crump visited Jacksonville to provide comfort to the victims’ families and hold a news conference alongside other faith leaders at the St. Stephen AME Church on Monday afternoon.
Angela Carr was one of the first victims to be killed by the shooter’s racially motivated attack at Dollar General on Saturday, where two other people were killed.
Crump said Carr was working as an Uber driver when she was killed outside of the Dollar General.
“It’s heartbreaking to them to see that image of him pointing that gun at their mother’s car and shooting 11 rounds — 11 rounds into that innocent black woman,” Crump said.
Crump shared this statement following the shooting Saturday:
Hate is toxic, destructive and deadly. Three families and an entire community are facing the devastating impacts of hate without bounds. Children are now without their loving parents and these families will never be whole again. This senseless and violent act is the latest in a long series of reminders that words drive ideology which give rise to actions, unspeakable actions — and we all pay the price.
Ben Crump
Carr’s pastor Dr. David W. Green Sr remembered her as a loving and caring mother.
“She brought her daughter basically to the church. Her family was raised in this church,” Green said. “She was a person who was a provider who provided for her family.”
The other two victims who lost their lives were identified as 19-year-old Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr. and 29-year-old Jerrald Gallion.
Gallion’s family also attended the conference with Crump. They remembered the 29-year-old as a doting father who adored his 4-year-old daughter.
“He was a very devoted father. He was there every step of the way when I found out I was going to be a grandmother. He didn’t miss a beat, he didn’t miss a doctor’s appointment,” Sabrina Rozier said.
Laguerre was working at the store when he was fatally shot.
His family released a statement about his untimely death:
The family has mixed emotions. Some are angry, everyone is sad and confused. We’re trying not to let hate fill our hearts because of one individual’s ill intent. We don’t know why he was taken so soon, but we know God has him and we will continue to keep the faith. He’s up there with his mom now.. Until we meet again, AJ. We love you.
Crump also mentioned seeking legal action to receive justice.