Crime Stoppers highlights 2007 cold case of Jacksonville man who died protecting his girlfriend
First Coast Crime Stoppers generic
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – First Coast Crime Stoppers is appealing for tips in the 2007 killing of a Jacksonville man who was shot while protecting his girlfriend during a robbery.
Investigators said Barry “BJ” Brooks was killed Nov. 18, 2007, near an apartment complex in Jacksonville. It remains an open case and is dependent on new information from the public. Authorities said Brooks was attempting to protect his girlfriend when he was shot.
Family members attending the conference and available for media interviews afterward include Brooks’ mother, Margie Brooks; his father, Barry Brooks Sr.; cousins Erica Jones, Brandy Larry and Tylynn Larry; and adopted aunt Lakeisha McCray.
First Coast Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that helps solve the case. Tips may be submitted anonymously through First Coast Crime Stoppers.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Author Ashley French headshot
Ashley French is a News4JAX reporter who joined the station in January 2026 after reporting in Southwest Florida and East Texas.
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