JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of a 16-year-old boy, Derek Pitts, who was tragically shot and killed at a party in Mandarin in December, is pleading for the shooter to come forward. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Coopers Hawk Apartment homes on Old St Augustine Road, and there is currently a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
Pitts, also known as “Dibbs”, was a junior at Beachside High School and the oldest grandson in a large family. His aunt, Bernadette Howarth, described him as having a vibrant spirit, being an avid Philly sports fan, and having a love for baseball, football, cars, and shopping with his sister. Pitts was known for his sense of humor and his ability to uplift others.
According to the police, a fight broke out between two large groups at the party, and the situation escalated when someone pulled out a gun and started shooting. At least 10 shots were fired, and tragically, Pitts was struck by one of the bullets, leading to his death at the hospital.
The family is still reeling from the loss and is desperate for answers. Howarth expressed the difficulty of not having closure and the anguish of knowing that the person responsible for her nephew’s death is still at large, potentially posing a threat to others. The family is urging anyone with information to come forward and provide the authorities with the needed leads to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Derek Pitts would have turned 17 years old the following week, and his family is left to mourn the life he should have lived. They hope that by speaking out, they can prompt anyone with information to do the right thing and help bring closure to this tragic case.
Those with information about the incident are urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) by phone at 904-630-0500, by email at JSOcrimetips@jacksheriff.org, or via Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.