Makye Vogel, a 16-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, was fatally shot on the morning of April 1, 2023, outside an apartment complex on Old Baymeadows Road. The incident occurred after he attended a birthday party at The Avenues apartment complex in the Baymeadows area. According to his mother, Heather Moorer, Makye had stepped outside to talk to his girlfriend on the phone when he was gunned down.
Makye was described by his family as a vibrant and lively individual who was the life of the party. He had previously attended Atlantic Coast High School and played football at Twin Lakes Middle School. His mother recalled that he had dreams of playing professional basketball and also considered becoming a chiropractor as a backup plan.
Heather Moorer was present at the scene but was not immediately informed that her son was the victim. She mentioned that it took hours for the authorities to confirm that the deceased teenager was her son, and during that time, she and her family were unaware that Makye was lying lifeless nearby.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has not released any information about suspects or arrests in the case. The family and authorities are appealing to the community for any information that might lead to the identification and apprehension of those responsible. Moorer has been vocal about her desire for justice and has warned the person responsible, stating, "Count your days because we’re coming. JSO is coming. We know a lot more than you think we do."
On what would have been Makye's 17th birthday, April 11, 2023, family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember him. The vigil was an emotional event, with many attendees wearing Makye's favorite colors, red and black, in sympathy. His siblings expressed their grief and sense of loss, with his sister feeling a sense of failure for not being able to keep him safe and his brother describing the immense difficulty he has faced since Makye’s murder.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with the financial burdens following Makye's death. The JSO and Crime Stoppers continue to seek information from the public, urging anyone with details to call 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
