19-year-old killed in driveway described as hardworking, loving

Ra'Kwon Backey shot to death in outside his Westside home

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 19-year-old man fatally shot Tuesday afternoon in the driveway of his Westside home was hardworking and a family man, his family members said Wednesday.

Ra’Kwon Backey died after being shot several times on Shelby Creek Road South, in a neighborhood off Normandy Boulevard just west of Herlong Recreational Airport, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said. 

There was nothing but pure sadness on the faces of four loved ones who talked with News4Jax on Wednesday. The family members said Backey was an average teenager, but was hardworking -- working at the same shoe store for many years. 

They said Backey loved video games and spending time with his family.

"He was a fun loving child, loved his little brothers, always took care of his little brothers, always participated in our family events" said his cousin, Kimberly George. "(He was) very loving, very compassionate and passionate about whatever he was doing."

George shared a message for young people, and for the community.

"When is the killing going to stop? We just want the killing to stop, that's all," George said. "We most definitely want them to turn in any information that could be of use, that they think could be of use, even if it's just, 'Well, I saw him over her or this person was talking to him.' Anything that they may think would be helpful to lead to who did it would be helpful to the police."

Police do not know who shot and killed Backey, and neither does his family members. They said he had no enemies, a lot of friends, and they don't know of any recent arguments he had with anyone. 

"(He) was very liked by young and old," George said. "We're still clueless as to who could've done it."

RELATED: Man, 19, shot to death in Westside driveway

Family friend, Frank Gorman, said the young man had his whole life ahead of him. 

"Keep the family in your prayers. And if anybody knows anything, of course ... come forward and say something so that justice can be done in this case," Gorman said. 

A CrimeStoppers car made more rounds Wednesday in the neighborhood, asking neighbors for information.

News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith said that because this is a low-crime neighborhood, tucked away from busy roads, he believes the 19-year-old killed could have been targeted.

“It appears that he wasn't robbed. There was no robbery involved, so in cases like this, it usually involves money or something domestic, so I'm sure they'll be looking at his social media, looking at his cellphone,” Smith said.

Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. 


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