Family Seeks Justice for Toddler’s Tragic Death
The family of a 3-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident is pleading for justice, as one of the two individuals accused of the crime remains at large. This heartbreaking story is reported by Kylie Jones.
LAKELAND, Fla. – In a distressing turn of events, the search continues for one of the suspects involved in the unfortunate incident in Lakeland. The victim, Jaquez “JD” Norton, 3, lost his life in a shooting at the Cambridge Cove apartments earlier this month.
Authorities have filed two counts of murder against Kevarius Green, 30, in connection with the case. The incident unfolded as JD was in a Toyota Rav 4 with his three-month-old sister, mother, and her boyfriend. As they were leaving the apartment premises, their path was obstructed by a white Dodge Challenger.
Image: Jaquez, “JD”, Norton
According to the police report, Green and Kemarius Wilson emerged from the vehicle armed with guns. Following a confrontation, Green allegedly opened fire with his rifle, injuring JD in the backseat and Kemarius Wilson, who was seated behind the Toyota Rav4.
Describing the harrowing ordeal, JD’s grandmother, Pilar Rivera, recounted, “My daughter was pleading with them, ‘My kids are here.’”
Green’s legal counsel has hinted at a self-defense argument in response to the charges laid against him.
Kevarius Green during his initial court appearance.
The authorities are actively searching for Demarius Wilson, believed to be the driver of the vehicle carrying the three individuals.
JD’s family is fervently appealing for justice and assistance in locating Wilson, emphasizing the profound impact of JD’s untimely demise on their lives.
“He was like the king,” expressed Pilar Rivera, JD’s grandmother. “We’d never had a boy before. When he arrived, we were overjoyed.”
Image: Jaquez, “JD”, Norton
Rivera shared that JD was her sole grandson, describing him as a joyful and affectionate child with a radiant smile that illuminated the room.
“He was just beginning his life,” she lamented. “He was a bundle of love. Extremely cheerful. You could see the dimples when he smiled. Such a beautiful smile.”
Recalling JD’s last moments, Rivera mentioned that he had visited her merely an hour before heading to the apartment complex with his family to meet a friend.
Image: Jaquez, “JD”, Norton
“He was ecstatic, bouncing around on every motorcycle,” Rivera reminisced. “He went around hugging everyone. He even gave me a kiss. Normally, he’d hug me but never kiss me.”
Later that fateful evening, Rivera received the devastating news of the shooting. Upon reaching the scene, she encountered her daughter’s vehicle riddled with bullet holes. During her visit to the police station, she noticed her daughter and granddaughter but found JD conspicuously absent.
Image: Jaquez, “JD”, Norton
“It tore a piece of our lives away,” she sorrowfully expressed. “JD should be here playing with us. He hadn’t even started school yet. He was just a baby.”
The profound loss of JD has shattered their family, leaving them grappling with immense grief and unfulfilled dreams for the young child.
“We will cherish him. We will miss him dearly,” she said. “We had so many aspirations for him, but regrettably, those plans were abruptly cut short.”
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Demarius Wilson’s location to step forward and assist in the investigation.
Image: Demarius Wilson. Image courtesy of the Lakeland Police Department.
“While it won’t bring back my grandson, I know it will make a difference,” Rivera acknowledged.
Individuals with relevant details pertaining to this case can reach out to the Lakeland Police Department at (863) 834-8975 or contact Heartland Crimestoppers. Informants can choose to remain anonymous, with a potential reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.