Jacksonville mother seeks answers after son killed in early morning shooting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville mother is pleading for answers after her 23-year-old son, Michael Easter, was shot early Friday morning and later died at the hospital.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, officers found Easter lying behind a car on Norwood Avenue in Northwest Jacksonville around 1:40 a.m. Friday.

He’d been shot in the upper torso and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

His mother, Tracy Campbell, identified him as a father of two and the youngest of her four children.

“He was very full of life,” Campbell said. “He was always energetic and ready to go somewhere and have a good time.”

Police said the shooting happened around closing time of a nearby club. A security guard from the venue told investigators that Easter had been involved in an argument in the parking lot.

But Campbell said she’s received messages from people who were there that night telling her a different story. One where her son was trying to break up a fight.

“I just want to know what really happened,” she said.

To honor Easter’s memory, his family planned to gather at his favorite park in Oceanway for Father’s Day. They hoped to celebrate his life and reflect on better times.

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Campbell shared a video of her son dressed as Spider-Man at a party, dancing and entertaining guests. She said that’s just one example of his personality.

“He definitely brought life to the party,” she said. “He made it fun.”

What she’ll remember most, she said, is how much Easter loved his two sons.

“He loved his boys,” Campbell said. “He spent a lot of times with his boys always taking them somewhere and doing with them. Swimming or to the trampoline park. He was always just energetic and ready to go somewhere and have a good time.”

Campbell said the last 48 hours have been difficult, but she’s committed to finding out the truth about what led to her son’s death.

“Michael would do anything to make peace,” she said. “And in the end, it cost him his life. He’s going to be deeply missed.”

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said at this time they don’t have any updates on the case as it’s still active and being investigated.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous.

The family is raising money for a funeral for Easter.