Family of 16-year-old killed in shooting gets some answers from suspect arrest
Share and Follow


16-year-old Derek Pitts’ sister says they’ll never fully heal after the teen was found shot and killed at a party in Mandarin.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced an arrest in the case of a 16-year-old who was shot and killed just before New Years Eve.

19-year-old Colton Moore was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for the death of Derek Pitts.

Pitts’ sister says the family will never be able to fully heal from this.

“He was just a great kid,” said Theresa Pitts. “He was so funny and so loved.”

The past two months have been a wave of emotions for Pitts, as she and her family remember all the things they loved most about her brother.

The family has also had to deal with grief and anger, as week after week they waited for more details about the pool party her brother never came home from.

“It’s been torture, having no answers or clarity about the situation,” said Pitts.

Pitts was found shot at an apartment complex of Old St. Augustine Road in Mandarin Dec. 29.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said they had an “influx” of Crime Stopper’s tips, which led them to arrest Colton Moore.

“It’s definitely a relief to know that, hopefully, justice will be served and someone will be held accountable for my brother’s murder, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s gone,” said Pitts.

JSO says Moore was already in custody for unrelated charges when he was arrested. He made his first appearance in court on the murder charge Saturday.

The judge set no bail and pointed out the murder charge could carry a life in prison sentence during the appearance.

Pitts is hoping her brother’s death serves as a wake up call for Jacksonville teenagers.

“We want to call on the Jacksonville community to worry about gun violence and worry about these 16, 17, 18, 19 year old kids that are running the streets with guns,” said Pitts.

Pitts says she doesn’t know Moore and as far as she knows, her brother didn’t know him either.

Derek would’ve just turned 17 at the beginning of this month.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jacksonville mother’s car nightmare ends with help from Ask Anthony

Jacksonville mother receives assistance from Ask Anthony to resolve car issues

Jessica Hector bought two cars from the same dealer, both broke down,…
Ezra Miller gives bizarre interview about their 'tentative' Hollywood return

“Ezra Miller Discusses Their Uncertain Return to Hollywood in Unconventional Interview”

1 The actor posed on the red carpet for the first time…
Border Patrol uncovers 'sophisticated' drug smuggling tunnel

Customs officers find advanced tunnel used for smuggling drugs

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — U.S. Border Patrol agents have discovered and…
R Kelly denied release from prison just days after overdose

R Kelly’s request for release from prison denied following recent overdose

Disgraced singer R Kelly has been denied release from prison just days after…
Jacksonville's Main Street Bridge shines bright for 2nd annual Juneteenth celebration

Jacksonville’s Main Street Bridge glows for second Juneteenth event

The bridge lit up in red, black and green for Juneteenth, symbolizing…
Mark Cuban reveals he rejected stunning offer from Kamala Harris

Mark Cuban turned down a significant offer from Kamala Harris, as shared by the billionaire.

NBA team minority owner Mark Cuban has revealed that Kamala Harris’ ticket…
Trump weighs Iran response as European leaders push for diplomacy

Donald Trump considers how to respond to Iran while European leaders advocate for diplomatic solutions

() As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week,…
Mexican restaurant threatened after owner's daughter endorses Trump

Threats Against Mexican Restaurant Increase After Owner’s Daughter Supports Trump

Following the owner’s daughter expressing support for Donald Trump, the staff at…