photo courtesy of Jax Action News
A Jacksonville, Florida, football coach was shot ten times while protecting several young boys from a drive-by shooting on the night of December 3. Tragically, a 13-year-old boy named Prince Holland was killed in the shooting, despite the coach using his own body to shield the group of boys.
The Florida coach, 21, was driving home the group of boys from football tryouts. While passing the intersection of Moncrief Road West and New Kings Road, an SUV pulled up beside them, and someone inside began firing. Action News Jax reported that the coach covered his passengers with his body and was struck with ten bullets that required several surgeries to stabilize him following his injuries. One boy was fatally shot, another was injured, and the two other teens in the car were thankfully unharmed.
The Jacksonville Sheriff publicly promised to find those responsible for the violent shooting. This grief has emboldened us and hardened our resolve. To those responsible for this terrible act, know this: We will not rest, we will not tire, we will not waver.” He said before announcing an almost $15,000 award for anyone offering information that leads to an arrest.
Community members of Prince Holland remember the boy reverently, telling the news outlet that he was a good kid who dreamed of playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“He went to church every Sunday. He played sports. He took the other kids to play sports so they wouldn’t be out here doing drugs, smoking and being in gangs,” His mother told the outlet. She insisted that anyone who knows details about the shooting should come forward and share anything that could help. She said, “Everybody wants to be quiet. What if it was their son? What if that was their baby? They’ll feel like me.”
No one is in custody for the crime, and no arrests have been made, but Jacksonville police assure they are investigating thoroughly.