On March 2, 2016, Marlon Louis Brice, a 28-year-old Black male from Jacksonville, Florida, was fatally shot outside the Silver Fox Lounge on West Beaver Street. According to reports, Marlon Brice was attempting to intervene in a dispute in the club's parking lot when he was shot. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident. Despite the presence of multiple patrons, the assailant fled the scene, and no arrests have been made to date.
The Silver Fox Lounge, owned by Milton Howard, has been the backdrop for multiple violent incidents. In 2015, a man was killed outside the same venue. Additionally, in 2013, 21-year-old Brandon Green was shot and killed inside Mascara’s nightclub, another establishment under Howard's ownership. These recurring episodes of violence have raised concerns about the safety measures and management practices at these clubs.
Attorney John Phillips, representing Brandon Green’s family in a civil suit against Mascara's, criticized the inadequate security at these venues. He emphasized that while some clubs employ private security, it often falls short of ensuring patron safety. Phillips advocated for the hiring of off-duty police officers to provide a more authoritative security presence, aiming to deter potential violent acts and protect attendees.
Marlon Brice was remembered by his family and community as a loving father and a protective presence. He left behind two children, Ma'Leyah and Jordan Brice, and was survived by his mother, Cynthia Jones, his girlfriend, Shellecia Cogdell, and several siblings, including his sister Jokisha "Kisha" Brown. Tragically, Kisha Brown was also shot and killed just four months later in Atlanta, Georgia, while sitting in her vehicle. The two siblings' deaths within such a short span deeply affected their family and community.
As of now, the murder of Marlon Brice remains unsolved. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office continues to seek information from the public to aid in the investigation. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers.
