Blake Hendrix, a 23-year-old white male from Callahan, Florida, was tragically shot and killed on February 16, 2020, in the Riverside area of Jacksonville. Hendrix, known for his vibrant personality and love for singing, was out with friends on the night of his death. Around 2:30 a.m., off-duty officers heard multiple gunshots and found Hendrix's body behind a business near King Street.
Witnesses suggested that a fight might have led to the shooting, but the exact circumstances remained unclear at the time.
Hendrix's family and friends described him as a kind-hearted individual who would never harm anyone. His mother, Tonya Smith Brabham, expressed her grief, highlighting how her son was full of life and always made people laugh. Hendrix was set to graduate from his apprenticeship with a local plumbers' union in May 2020, making his untimely death even more heartbreaking for his loved ones.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into Hendrix's murder, and on February 21, 2020, they arrested Rodney Braziel, charging him with murder. Braziel was accused of shooting Hendrix after a fight broke out. According to Hendrix's uncle, Blake was trying to protect a friend involved in the altercation. Braziel was held without bond, and his next court date was set for March 16, 2020.
The community, including anti-crime groups like M.A.D. D.A.D.S., rallied around Hendrix's family, calling for an end to the violence that claimed his life. Hendrix's death marked the 16th homicide in Jacksonville for the year 2020, prompting local leaders to address the ongoing issues of gang and drug-related violence in the city.
