Family seeks justice in teen's death

Willie Johnson, 19, killed at house party

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than two weeks have passed since 19-year-old Willie Johnson was killed and another teen was shot at a house party on Coachman Lakes Drive. 

On Wednesday police arrested Holly Lynn Bowers, 35, and charged her with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and allowing alcohol and drugs in an open house party.

Thursday night Johnson's family said they're waiting for another arrest. They said they want to see the person who shot and killed Johnson arrested and put behind bars.

"We are just concerned about justice coming forward. All we ask for is the truth," said Johnson's sister, Shakenia Murray. "To me, it's devastating. I just wish someone would come forward and bring it to justice.  It's just unbelievable. It's unreal."

This photo of Willie Johnson was provided by his family.

Murray told Channel 4 her brother had big dreams that were cut short and that Johnson planned on joining the Air Force. Murray said her brother was passionate about football and received trophies in his sport just this week that he'll never get to hold or celebrate.

"Willie just liked to have fun with his friends and his cousins, that's all he wanted," Murray said. "He loved to dance. He would go to parties and things like that just to hang with his friends."

While Murray said she'd like to see an arrest made for the murder of her brother, she was happy to hear that someone is being held accountable for the house party that her brother was killed at.

"She deserves what she got because there should not be any underage drinking or anything illegal going on, period," said Murray.

As Murray and her family wait for justice to be served in her brother's death, she has a plea for the Jacksonville community and the people who went to the house party on Coachman Lakes Drive April 19.

"Whoever was responsible, whoever knows anything, please tell," said Murray.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about Johnson's death to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.


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