JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 17-year-old boy found dead of at least one gunshot wound in a wooded area in Sandalwood late Wednesday afternoon has been identified, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.
Officers were called about 5 p.m. to an area near the intersection of Kusaie Drive and Mareeba Road.
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A person walking on a path behind homes along Ironstone Drive North found a teenage boy, later identified as Tyon Blair, dead in a wooded area near a retention pond, police said.
The person who found Blair's body recognized him and notified family. Blair was a student at Sandalwood High School.
One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, told News4Jax that teens regularly hang out in the area where Blair's body was found.
Police said it's unknown what occurred and whether there's foul play involved, but the death is being considered suspicious.
The next day, shock was pervasive in the Sandalwood neighborhood, where residents told News4Jax that the area is relatively quiet.
"It's a little scary because it''s the first time that's happened in this area. This area is quiet, so I don't know what's going on," said Bianca Corona, a mother of two who lives in the area.
Added neighbor, Roberto Avila, "It's a good area."
Wednesday's scene has rattled longtime residents, including Joann Davis, who said she's now considering a new place to live.
"It's very scary," Davis said. "(It) makes you either want to move or put more locks on the door because you don't really know what happened."
No one answered the door when News4Jax stopped by Blair's home on Thursday.
News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith, a retired JSO officer, said it's important for anyone who knew Blair to contact police if they know anything. He added that even tips that may seem minor could help police crack the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.