ORLANDO, Fla. – As students return to school, many are carrying the weight of sorrow following the tragic death of a 13-year-old over the winter break.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reports that Emony Jackson, aged 13, was fatally shot inside a residence on Okada Court on Christmas Day.

A 15-year-old boy has been taken into custody, with authorities stating he confessed to discharging the firearm but maintained it was an accidental incident. The teenager is now facing charges of manslaughter.

Tramaine Henderson expressed skepticism about the claim of an accidental shooting. “I don’t think it was accidental,” she said. “I want accountability and justice for everyone involved — including him, the guardian, and those responsible at the house. He was too young to legally obtain a gun, so it had to come from somewhere.”

Emony’s cousin, Tramaine Henderson, shared with News 6 that the family is finding it difficult to cope with the loss, noting that Emony was at a relative’s home when the incident occurred.

“I don’t think Christmas will ever be the same,” Henderson said.

Emony attended Robinswood Middle School in Orlando. The eighth grader was supposed to return to school on Tuesday. To help her classmates cope with her death, the school will be providing grief counselors this week.

Emony’s death is one of at least three fatal teen shootings reported in Orange County during Christmas week.

On Christmas Eve, deputies say a 17-year-old was shot and killed near a condominium complex along PGA Boulevard near Oak Ridge. Then, on the Sunday after Christmas, a 16-year-old was shot on 26th Street near Rio Grande Avenue and later died from their injuries.

“It’s just sad that families have to face this, especially during the holidays when families are supposed to be together,” Henderson said.

All three shootings remain under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.