Tipton family still seeks answers 3 months after shooting death

Zach Tipton, 40, was killed outside Nippers Beach Grille in June

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of Zach Tipton, who was shot and killed in the parking lot outside Nippers Beach Grille in June, rallied outside the Duval County Courthouse on Friday.

Family members said they want the man who shot Tipton on June 26 charged with murder. News4Jax has learned the State Attorney's Office is trying to determine whether or not the shooting was justified.

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Zach Tipton's 17-year-old daughter, Reanna, spoke to News4Jax at Friday's protest, which is the third the family has organized in the 90 days since Zach Tipton was killed.

"The man that took my father's life is still walking among us civilized people and I think that's disgusting," Reanna Tipton said.

Family members said they still have no idea who pulled the trigger, and more than anything they want the State Attorney's Office to make an arrest.

"Justice, equality, that everyone is equal and no one is above the law, and no one can be let off because they have special connections, or whatever the reason is," Reanna Tipton said.

News4Jax was there when a man, who has not been identified, was taken into custody for questioning in Tipton's shooting, and then released hours later.

State Attorneys issued this statement Friday: "We understand the Tipton family's desire to have information regarding the Nippers shooting investigation. However, our office has a duty to conduct a thorough review of all facts and evidence. We've notified the family that specific facts and evidence cannot be legally released until the investigation is complete. We have also alerted the family that the review can take weeks or months to complete."

Family members still said every day brings new heartache and anger.

"We're furious," said Tina Tipton, Zach Tipton's sister. "We want to know why they haven't arrested someone."

"We're mad. We're not going away," said Zach Tipton's friend, Laurie Messner. "And that's what I want Angela Corey's office to know."

A spokesperson for the Tipton family told News4Jax they are going to continue to protest until someone is arrested in Zach Tipton's death. 


About the Author:

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.