Malik Warthen, a 17-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, tragically lost his life on December 5, 2015. Malik, affectionately known as "Mo-Mo," was playing video games with friends at his aunt's home in the Argyle Forest area when the incident occurred. According to reports, Malik was shot in the head by his friend, Michael Cecil Saddler, also 17 years old. The shooting happened just before noon, and Malik's younger brother, Malquis Warthen, was present in the room when the tragedy unfolded.
The handgun used in the shooting was later found in a neighbor's yard.
Michael Saddler was arrested and charged with manslaughter and tampering with evidence. The incident was described by Malik's family as a tragic mistake, as Saddler and Malik were close friends. Saddler's mother, Janice Boothe, expressed her sorrow and mentioned her efforts to keep her son out of trouble, including securing a job for him at McDonald's. Despite these efforts, the unfortunate event occurred, leaving both families devastated.
The case garnered significant attention, with Malik's family struggling to come to terms with the loss. Malik was remembered as a quiet athlete with aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur. The family emphasized the importance of gun safety and the impact of the company one keeps. The legal proceedings against Saddler highlighted the complexities of the case, as both families navigated the aftermath of the tragic incident.
