19-year-old faces murder charges in Florida City boy’s fatal shooting
A man was arrested in connection with the murder of a 9-year-old boy in Florida City back in November
Montreal Savontae Jackson Jr., 19, was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder with a weapon in the Nov. 16 killing of Antavious Scott, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office announced.
Family Reacts to the Arrest
NBC6 spoke with the 9-year-old’s mother Shanika Williams and grandmother Teretha Williams Tuesday night.
“We’re just happy,” Shanika Williams said.
“I’ve been praying from day one that God reveal the person who did this to my grandson,” Teretha Williams said. “I can finally rest.”
Arrest Details
The arrest form says detectives watched surveillance video and used cellphone data to connect Jackson to the murder.
“I feel good because I can finally rest knowing we got justice,” Shanika Williams said. “It doesn’t take back the pain that I feel, but knowing that the person who did this to my baby is now behind bars gives me a little closure.”
Background on the Case
Two months ago, Florida City Police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of 865 West Lucy Street, where they found Scott lying on the ground with a gunshot wound in his back. He was airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition, but he later died from his injuries.
According to an arrest report, Scott was outside an apartment complex with friends when two unknown males wearing dark clothing fired toward the group, shooting Scott. Police said surveillance video showed the two subjects driving in nearby and casing the area with a firearm. The footage also captured the two walking in and fleeing back toward their vehicle around the time of the shooting.
Sheriff’s Statement
“I couldn’t be prouder of the tireless dedication and teamwork from my deputies and the Florida City Police Department, that led to solving the tragic murder of innocent Antavious Scott,” Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said in a news release. “This case weighed heavily on all of us as Antavious was only 9 years old, but today, justice has prevailed. To the investigators, community members, and everyone who played a role in bringing answers to the family, I thank you. We will always fight for those who can no longer speak for themselves. I pray that this brings the family some closure and relief and we will continue to hold the Scott family in our prayers.”
Conclusion
The community has been shaken by the senseless murder of 9-year-old Antavious Scott, and the arrest of Montreal Savontae Jackson Jr. brings some sense of closure to the family and the community. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Florida City Police Department worked tirelessly to solve the case, and their efforts have led to justice being served.
FAQs
* Who was arrested in connection with the murder of Antavious Scott?
Montreal Savontae Jackson Jr., 19
* What was the motive for the shooting?
The motive is not yet clear, but it is believed to have been a random act of violence
* How did the community respond to the shooting?
The community held vigils and rallies to support the Scott family and to demand justice for Antavious
* What is the next step in the case?
The case will now go to trial, and the prosecution will seek a conviction against Montreal Savontae Jackson Jr.
