JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Almost two years after a Jacksonville teenager was shot and killed just a few hours after receiving his high school diploma, his family is still waiting to see his killer behind bars.
Rashaud Fields was murdered hours after graduating from Raines High School on May 23, 2022. He attended a friend’s graduation party.
Rashaud was Janice Fields’ youngest son.
Fields said every day she goes into Rashaud’s bedroom to wish him a good morning, though he’s not there. She said she believes the spirit of the 18-year-old full of hope and a bright future is still there.
“Every day, I come in, and I speak to him, every day I tell him I love him every day. And oh, I wish Rashaud was still here, but unfortunately, God had other plans for him, so this is the life that we live every day,” Fields said.
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Though her family lives in grief, Fields said her son was focused on school and football and rarely socialized. In fact, Rashaud dreamed of playing professional football in the NFL and was going to attend college.
That’s why when her son went to that graduation party, she never thought he wouldn’t make it back home.
“I know it’s not my belief. I know someone knows something. I don’t know if they are scared to talk or say anything. So I don’t know,” Fields said.
After his death, the coaches at the school he was supposed to attend showed support — hoping to find his killer.
News4JAX reached out to the State Attorney’s Office regarding the case.
“There is no public update from our office on this case,” the SAO responded.
There have been multiple efforts to encourage witnesses to speak out.
- In June 2022 a rally was held to highlight Rashaud’s life and discuss gun violence in the city.
- In August 2022, a $13,000 reward was offered for information regarding this case.
- In July 2023 a school giveaway was held in his honor.
Rashaud’s face is among others on the CrimeStoppers website, and despite many tips in the case no one has been arrested and charged with the murder.
“I want justice. That’s all I want is justice,” Fields said. “Two years first of all… is too long for a mother and a father like me and my husband to be grieving when I know somebody knows something. All I ask is y’all please give us that. Please give me and my husband justice. If it wasn’t meant for Rashaud, please still turn yourself in, that’s all I ask,” Fields said.
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Finding the shooter that took Rashaud’s life is the only closure this family wants — as they know nothing can bring him back home.
News4JAX also reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for an update on the case, and we are waiting for their response.
If you have any information that can lead to an arrest, please call 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.