Jazmine Shelton, age 13, was tragically killed on August 10, 2013, in Jacksonville, Florida. Jazmine and her best friend Megan Simmons, age 14, were having a sleepover at a mobile home on Missouri Avenue when gunfire erupted in the early morning hours, striking both girls. The shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. when multiple rounds were fired into the trailer. More than 20 bullets hit the home, and police believe that there were multiple shooters involved.
Jazmine was struck and died on the scene, while Megan was transported to UF Health Jacksonville, where she passed away four days later.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) continues to investigate the case as it remains unsolved. According to detectives, the attack was believed to be a retaliation for a prior incident involving one of the residents of the trailer. Earlier that night, a stabbing had occurred, and the person involved was reportedly connected to the occupants of the mobile home. Authorities suspect that this retaliation led to the brutal shooting that took the lives of both girls. The detectives have stated that they do not believe Jazmine or Megan were the intended targets of this shooting.
Despite the ongoing investigation, no leads have resulted in arrests. The community and law enforcement are seeking any new information that might help solve the case. Detective Travis Oliver, now part of the cold case unit, has urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward to assist in piecing together what happened that night. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is hopeful that advancements in forensic technology could provide new leads to finally bring justice for Jazmine and Megan's families, who continue to grieve their loss and search for closure. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Sheriff's Office to aid in solving this cold case.
