A Florida football coach was seriously injured when he used his body to shield four children in an SUV that killed a 13-year-old boy, his attorney said.
Jacksonville attorney John Phillips, who represents the injured coach, who has not been named, said his client was driving the kids home from soccer practice Saturday when the car stopped at the intersection of Moncrief Road West and New Kings Road in Jacksonville and someone inside opened fire.
According to Phillips, the 21-year-old trainer dove to protect the boys and was shot 10 times, suffering severe injuries and requiring multiple surgeries. This was reported by Action News Jax.
One of the boys, 13-year-old Prince Holland, was killed in the shooting, and an 11-year-old boy was injured but is expected to recover.
Two other children, 14 and 15 years old, who were in the coach’s SUV, were not injured.
No arrests have yet been made in the deadly incident, but Jacksonville Sheriff TC Waters on Monday vowed to continue the case until the shooter or people are brought to justice.
“This grief has encouraged us and strengthened our resolve,” Waters said at a news conference on the steps of the Police Memorial Building. “Let those responsible for this heinous act know this: We will not rest, we will not tire, and we will not melt.”
A total of $14,000 in rewards are currently being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Holland was the youngest of eight children and was remembered by his family as a “good boy” who was on the honor roll at school.
“He went to church every Sunday. He was engaged in sports. “He played sports to keep other kids away from drugs, smoking and gangs here,” said his mother, Chantel Brown. Station News4Jax.
According to Brown, Holland’s dream growing up was to play wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs.
A heartbroken mother called on the public to speak up for her son’s justice.
“Everybody wants to be quiet,” Brown said. “What if it’s their son? What if it’s their child? They feel the same way I do.”
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