On the morning of January 2, 2023, Kevon Mikel Follow, a 21-year-old African-American male, was found deceased in the front yard of a residence on West 31st Street near Moncrief Road in Jacksonville, Florida. A passerby discovered his body around 7:15 a.m. and alerted the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Kevon had sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
Kevon's father, Kevin Follow, confirmed his son's identity and expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence. Neighbors reported hearing gunfire shortly before 7 a.m., followed by someone shouting, "Kevon got hit!" Kevon's cousin, Vernon Pandy, shared that Kevon had a passion for music and aspired to become a rapper. The family had previously experienced the tragedy of losing another relative to gun violence in April of the previous year.
In the days following the incident, community members and loved ones held a candlelight vigil to honor Kevon's memory. His mother, Penny Jones, expressed her grief, stating, "That was my baby, my last baby here and my first child gone. So that’s a hurting feeling. I just want him back and I can’t have him back." She emphasized the need to end violence in the community.
After months of investigation, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrested 30-year-old Aja Rashaud Bailey on March 10, 2023, in connection with Kevon's death. Bailey was charged with murder following evidence and interviews conducted by Homicide Team #5 Detectives.
Kevon Mikel Follow's funeral services were held at the New First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. His obituary was published by C L Page Mortuary.
