JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There was an overwhelming sense of relief for the Riverside community and former co-workers of Daniel Rowe on Monday after police announced an arrest in his murder.
Erron Coleman, 25, is charged with murder, plus armed robbery, burglary and weapons charges.
Rowe, 20, was shot and killed July 22, 2015, while taking out the garbage in an alley behind the Blind Rabbit restaurant, near the intersection of King and College streets, during what police described as a robbery attempt.
He was well-known on King Street, where he worked at Kickbacks Gastropub before the job at the Blind Rabbit. Rowe's presence is still missed by those who worked with him.
"He was a good guy. I mean, he was normal, would bend over backwards for people, give the shirt off his back," said former co-worker Justice Berndt.
Valerie Martin worked with Rowe for a year and a half at Kickbacks, which is located across the street from the Blind Rabbit.
"He was just the biggest guy with the biggest love that would give anything for anyone at any time," Martin said. "When he died, it didn't just decimate King Street. I mean, it didn't just decimate Kickbacks, Blind Rabbit. It decimated our entire community, because we're all one family. We all see each other the same weeks, the same months, the same people."
Martin said the news of Coleman's arrest will bring much-needed relief to the community and to Rowe's family.
"It's been a year and three days and finally, finally we can thank JSO and we can thank our community. And Steve and Raelyn and his siblings can get some peace," Martin said.
Rowe's former co-workers said they're confident police will catch the second person wanted in his death as well.
"I'm just glad, you know, that he's getting justice. You know, that's what should be done," Berndt said.
A $3,000 reward is still available for tips leading to a second arrest. Callers can remain antonymous and still be eligible for the reward by calling 866-845-TIPS.