JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of a man shot and killed during what police believe was a random robbery outside a Southside apartment complex two weeks ago is speaking out.
Police say 36-year-old Wesley Bridges was killed as he was waiting on a ride outside the Park View Apartments on Barnes Road about 12:45 a.m. on Aug. 6.
Bridges' younger brother, Army Sgt. Matt Bridges, says this random act of violence has torn this man's family apart. Wesley leaves behind a wife and a son.
"His son's 7 -- 7-years-old -- and he's taking it very hard," Matt Bridges said. "Last night he cried himself to sleep, just screaming, crying: 'I want my daddy.'"
Police believe Wesley Bridges was a random target. According to the homicide report, he left his friend's house before midnight and was waiting for a ride outside this Barnes Road apartment complex when four teenagers tried to rob him.
"He ran, they fired their weapon and struck and killed him," JSO Lt. Rob Schoonover said.
"A chance occurrence could have happened to anybody that happened to be out," Matt Bridges said. "To rob and kill and with a rifle? Two gunmen? That's overkill. He never stood a chance against that."
Last week, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrested four teenagers -- Eltonia Humpries, Jacquavivas Davis, Josh Dukes and Roteia Hutchison -- and charged them with murder.
Matt Bridges says his brother was a hard-working electrician and lived for his family. Now his wife and his son have to live without him.
"They've been together since he was 21 years old, and his goal has always been to take care of his family," Bridges said.
Wesley Bridges also took care of his ailing father. Family members say the man was so devastated about what happened, he became weak and fell and hit his head the day after the funeral. He's now in a coma.
"I'll never be able to speak to my brother again, and he's always been there for me," said Matt Bridges. "At the drop of the hat, no matter what was going on, 'Wes, I need you.' 'Alright, I'm on my way.'"
The family has set up a memorial fund page on Facebook to assist Bridges' survivors.