JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of an 18-year-old man who was shot and killed at a Westside apartment complex last week is asking for the community’s support.
Marlon Lane was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at an apartment complex on Labelle Street. On Saturday, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 14-year-old Keyon Byrd in the murder of Lane.
Mistee Wells, Lane’s aunt who loved him like a son, described the moment when she found out her son had died.
“Marlon’s twin sister got the call, and I couldn’t understand the person that was on the phone because they called off Instagram. So I had to make my daughter call him back so I could understand what they saying. But it was an hour later, after it had happened,” Wells said.
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Wells said the unexpected loss has devastated the family, including his twin sister and younger brothers.
“To know Marlon is to know love, laughter, happiness. You can be having the worst day. And I guarantee if you meet Marlon for five minutes, your problem would temporarily go away.”
Lane had just graduated from Terry Parker High School. He dreamed of going to college, serving his community and living a life full of purpose.
“When he graduated, he was so happy, because he always was told he’s not gonna be able to graduate,” Lane said. “So he always had this barrier against him, but Marlon always had this mind, ‘I’m gonna beat the barriers.’ And that’s that’s one of his strongest qualities he had as a young man,” Wells said.
Now, Lane’s family is holding onto memories — and their faith — as they work through unimaginable loss.
“I would like to tell parents love on your kids. Keep them as close to you as possible. No matter what they put you through, just be there for them,” Wells said.
As detectives continue their investigation, Lane’s family said they want him remembered not for the way he died, but for the love and light he shared while he lived.
Wells created a GoFundMe to gather donations for her son’s final arrangements and celebration of life.