JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Families whose loved ones were killed violently in Jacksonville held a forum Thursday night with law enforcement to get answers on unsolved homicide cases.
The meeting was set up like a question and answer discussion.
The families said they want justice for their loved ones and they want to see it take place at the courthouse. Many of them said they have been waiting too long.
Beverly Jenkins represents just one of more than 10 families who are looking for justice.
"I'm here tonight to ask questions and get answers," said Jenkins. "Honestly I think I am more emotional now than I was then."
Jenkins said three years ago her son, Tommie, was hit in the head by a ricocheting bullet while he was at a friend's cookout on the Northside. The shooter is still on the run.
"I've forgiven him because it's the Godly thing to do, but you still have in the back in your mind who did it," said Jenkins.
It's a question all of the families had at the Unsolved Homicide and Cold Case Forum hosted by Families of Slain Children. Each person wrote their concerns on a sheet of paper for members of law enforcement to answer.
One audience member expressed frustration about calling the detective working her son's homicide case but never getting a response.
That detective's supervisor, Sgt. T.K. Waters, responded to the question.
"There are a lot of things going on that we have to tend but there is never an excuse for no call back, but what I can do, I will make this pledge to you, that individual and make sure that those calls are being returned," said Waters.