Tellis Shareem Stephens Jr., an 18-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, tragically lost his life on September 29, 2019. Born on April 21, 2001, Tellis was a young man with a promising future, having attended Jean Ribault High School and Westside High School. He was a member of the Holiness of Eternal Word Holy Mission, where he confessed his faith at an early age.
His untimely death left a void in the hearts of his family and friends, who remember him fondly for his vibrant spirit and the joy he brought into their lives.
On the evening of September 29, 2019, Tellis was found dead on Lambing Road in Jacksonville, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The circumstances surrounding his death were immediately treated as a homicide, prompting an investigation by local law enforcement. Despite the efforts of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, details about the suspects or motives behind the shooting remain scarce. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case, but as of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The loss of Tellis Shareem Stephens Jr. is compounded by the fact that his family had already endured significant tragedy. Just a year and a half prior, his brother, Dontavious M. “Pee Wee” Joseph, died in a car crash on March 22, 2018. The crash occurred while Joseph was in a stolen vehicle with three others, which flipped after hitting a fence. Joseph was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. This series of heartbreaking events has left the family in mourning, grappling with the loss of two young lives in such a short span of time.
The investigation into Tellis's death continues to be a priority for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. They have called on the public to provide any leads that might help bring those responsible to justice. The community's response has been one of solidarity and support, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Tellis on social media. Despite the lack of concrete developments in the case, the hope remains that justice will eventually be served, and Tellis's family will find some measure of peace.
