James Young

James Clarence Young, known to his loved ones as “Tugg,” was remembered as a nice man who always kept a smile on his face. At 40 years old, he was a husband, father, brother, and uncle. His daughter, Nek Young, described him as a "great friend" who was truly missed by his heartbroken family. A resident of Jacksonville, Florida, he reportedly worked as a salesman at a Dodge dealership on the city's Westside.

The evening of Friday, September 23, 2016, was his last. Around 7:30 p.m., James was at the RaceWay gas station in the 1000 block of Golfair Boulevard, in Jacksonville’s Brentwood neighborhood. He was filling up his vehicle when he was shot multiple times. When officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found James deceased at the scene. The area was quickly surrounded by dozens of onlookers as police began their investigation.

Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit immediately determined that the shooting was not random and that James had been targeted. Sgt. Jay Farhat told reporters that a silver, newer-model Kia Forte was seen driving away from the gas station right after the shooting. The following day, investigators released more information about the vehicle, identifying it as a silver 2013 Kia Forte with the license plate BLGB57. Police announced that the car had been reported stolen on July 31, 2016, from a Ramada Inn on Hartley Road. They also released surveillance images of a man who was suspected of stealing the car, believing he may have been connected to James's murder.

Police reviewed surveillance footage from the RaceWay station, hoping it would provide more clues. They appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. At the scene, officers arrested one man on narcotics charges, but it was unclear if he was connected to the shooting or was simply a potential witness. The investigation continued, but no arrests were immediately made.

A week after his death, family and friends gathered for a funeral service for James on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at the Rosa Glover Holmes Memorial Chapel. As the months turned into a year with no arrests, the pain for his family remained raw. On the first anniversary of his murder, September 23, 2017, a small, intimate group of about ten family members gathered at his gravesite in Restlawn Cemetery. They laid flowers, said a prayer, and released balloons to honor his memory and keep his story alive. His daughter, Nek, told a reporter at the vigil that, most of all, the family wanted justice for her father.

As of September 2017, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office had not publicly announced any arrests or significant breaks in the case. The murder of James "Tugg" Young remains unsolved. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office continues to ask for the public's help.

Anyone with information about the murder of James Young is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email [email protected]. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000, individuals can contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.