Remembering Jacksonville father gunned down 3 days before Christmas

Thomas Gordon, 24, leaves behind 7-year-old son

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Those who loved Thomas Gordon gathered Wednesday night to remember the 24-year-old father who was shot and killed Saturday night.

Gordon's killer has not been caught, but family and friends are holding a vigil at the Huron-Sophia Apartments in the Woodstock neighborhood of the Westside because they want the gunman to know they're not scared.

Jacksonville police haven't released many details of his death, even his name, but Gordon’s sister said she was told he was shot while walking a puppy he planned to give his 7-year-old son for Christmas. 

“I miss my Daddy so much," the boy said as he leaned down to light candles at a memorial to his father at the spot where he was killed.

Gordon's sister, Paris, said the man they called Tony was a loving father and would do anything for his family. She has no idea who would kill him.

"My brother was a great father, a great brother. We were very close," Paris Gordon said. "No one is talking, so I need some answers: Tell me why."

She said Christmas was not the same without her brother. She said every time she looks at her nephew, who is the spitting image of Gordon, she is reminded of his death.

“Most thing I miss about my brother is his smile. He had a smile that would bright up the moon," Paris Gordon said. "Who is going to look after his son?"

"I’m just devastated that someone would take my nephew's life," Gordon's aunt, Mona Lisa Arnold, said. "I’m just devastated over the whole epidemic of crime in Jacksonville, Florida, right now," Gordon's aunt, Mona Lisa Arnold, said.

People living at the apartment complex said more security and a stronger police presence is needed in their neighborhood.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.


About the Author

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.

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