JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two years after two teenage girls were gunned down in a Northwest Jacksonville mobile home, the community is once again stepping up and stepping out for justice.
Those two girls, 13-year old Jazmine Shelton and 14-year old Megan Simmons, were enjoying a sleepover at the home of Jazmine's mother on Missouri Avenue.
Sometime in the middle of the night someone, who police have still not identified, opened fire on the home, shooting both girls.
Jazmine died at the scene. Megan died four days later. There have still been no arrests in the crime and Monday, family, friends and the group MAD DADS gathered for a vigil to remember both girls.
It's hard to believe it's been two years of not knowing while all that's left of the home are the steps leading to what was once the front door, the memory of what happened there continuing to haunt Missouri Avenue and the community at large.
"The day I said I would see her later, I promised her that I would find the person who took her from me," Neta Sessions, Megan's Aunt, said.
"I never thought in a million years that I would have to go through something like this. The loss of a child," Jazmine's mother, Pancy Shelton, said.
As they stood in a circle the loved ones of Megan and Jazmine prayed for answers. Through their grief, there's a message they wanted to be sent to the community. Those who know something about the case have a responsibility. Even if it means Megan and Jazmine's families have to come to them.
"We hope to find answers. And we are going to keep knocking on doors, walking the streets, until we get the answers," AJ Jordan, vice president of MAD DADS, said.
With that determination they all did just that. All throughout the neighborhood they made connections, showed them Megan and Jazmine's pictures, and hoped just one person will be moved to act.
"Please understand that this person or people have taken two precious girls away from families that they'll never see again. Put yourself in our shoes," Sessions said.
Balloons were released as friends and family shared the memories they had of the two young girls.
Megan's blue eyes, red hair and her sweet singing voice. Jazmine's sparkling personality and the many things about her that made people laugh and smile.
"Doing girly things and getting into my perfume. She loved getting into my perfume," Shelton said.
But for their families and the people who loved them, there is still hope and a prayer for justice, no matter how long it takes, that drive will always be there.
"It's not going to bring them back. We will never be able to see her again. And Jazmine's family will never be able to see her again. Someone deserves to pay for what they did to our family," Sessions said.
There is also still a $10,000 reward through Crime Stoppers which anyone with information leading to an arrest can be eligible for by calling 866-845-TIPS.