JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A circle of family, neighbors, and strangers gathered Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil honoring 2-year-old A’hmari Robinson, who was shot and killed over the weekend on Jacksonville’s Westside.
As the sun went down, candles flickered, and prayers filled the air.
People called the toddler’s name as relatives stood shoulder-to-shoulder, trying to comfort one another.
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“We’re doing as best we can,” said Delecia, A’hmari’s great aunt. “We’re trying to stay strong for the mother and for my nephew as well who cannot be here.”
Family members described A’hmari as a happy, playful child whose personality was already well known to those closest to him.
“He hated clothes and his sippy cup was his best friend,” said his aunt, Starlyn. “You had his sippy cup, you didn’t have his attention.”
Organizers with the Silent Women Speaking Foundation said the vigil was meant to make sure A’hmari’s mother and family felt supported in the days after his death.
“We showed up for love, support, prayer,” Haraka Carswell said. “To lose a 2-year-old is devastating for a mother … I just want everyone to know that she don’t have to walk this journey alone.”
Police said the 2-year-old was shot Sunday night during what the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office described as a domestic dispute at a Westside apartment complex.
JSO said 21-year-old Steven Dodson Jr. was arrested in connection with the case.
At the vigil, candles were placed on the ground in A’hmari’s initials as the family asked for continued prayers and strength in the days ahead.
“We thank everyone for their support,” Delecia said. “We appreciate all the support and all the love. Please continue to pray for us. We are going to need it.”