JACKSONVILLE, Fla, – A family is spending their Thanksgiving holiday weekend in pain after their loved one was killed by gunfire.
Police say 22-year-old Tommy Spells was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting the day before Thanksgiving. It happened in Northwest Jacksonville, in the Grand Park area near 23rd and Division Street.
Family members say that Spells was trying to cross the street before he was shot. They gathered Saturday to ask anyone who knows anything about his murder to come forward. Harriet Jackson says she never imagined she would have to say goodbye to her son so soon.
"I'm hurt so bad for my baby. I am hurting so freaking bad because of all this useless killing," said Jackson.
People in the area say they heard gunshots. Spells was taken to UF Health, where he died. The people who knew Spells the most say he loved his family.
"Every time you see him he's smiling goofy. He just wanted to hang up here with the fellas," said Jackson.
Family members say Spells wasn't in any kind of trouble. They say they want Spells' killer to be caught.
"I want justice for my son and I want justice for all these other people that's been killed for no reason. I want justice for them. They probably still riding around shooting and doing the same thing. Enough is enough," said Jackson.
The family is begging anyone who knows anything about Spells' killing to come forward.
"Somebody out there know something or knows who it is. Stop being a coward and open your mouth. That was my son. That was my only son, and now I have to bury my son," said Jackson.
Police collected evidence at the time of the shooting. They say the driver fled off in a mid-sized gray sedan.
As investigators continue to search for Spells' killer his family is trying to raise money for his funeral expenses.
If you'd like to support Spells' family as they raise money for his funeral expenses. You can make a donation at Fifth-Third Bank.
If you have information about Spells' murder you can call Crimestopers at 1-866-845-TIPS.