'You ain't wanna listen to us': Grandmother's heartfelt words to Jacksonville teen before sentencing
Share and Follow


Videos posted Tuesday that have since gone viral show the moments a Jacksonville teen met with his grandmother just before being sentenced to 35 years in prison.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Three videos posted Tuesday that have since gone viral show the moments a Jacksonville teenager had with his grandmother just before he was given a 35-year prison sentence for murdering a 16-year-old.

Arrested at 15 years old in 2021, De’Andre McCray was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Siradus Sirmans on May 7, 2024. The sentencing fell on McCray’s 18th birthday. Because he was a juvenile at the time of his arrest, McCray will be able to appeal his sentence in 24 years.

He originally pleaded not guilty to the murder but changed his plea to guilty in February 2024.

On June 8, 2021, Siradus was found dead in Woodstock Park on West Beaver Street in Jacksonville. He suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.

Witnesses told police they saw a teen in a red jacket confronting Siradus.

The warrant for McCray’s arrest reads: “The witnesses stated that words were exchanged and that the suspect spit on the victim…When the victim moved toward the suspect for spitting on him, the suspect pulled out a gun, shot the victim and fled the scene with the firearm.”

Other witnesses told police they were with McCray, but left when an argument began. They heard gunshots and saw McCray and three friends who were with him leaving. They identified him to police and told them what he was wearing.

The Florida Times-Union reported that Siradus was a Raines High School student who had many passions despite his age.

“He saw even further into the future and knew he wanted to become a police officer once he graduated high school,” Siradus’ father wrote on a GoFundMe page. “Siradus was a role model in my eyes. He loved to help people and was always trying to better himself to be able to help even more.”

In one of the videos posted Tuesday, McCray’s grandmother can be heard telling McCray, “I’m sorry you have to go through this. But, all you had to do was listen to your parents.”

In another video, the teen’s grandmother said: “Ain’t nothing we can do to help you now. It’s all over now. I know, it’s a hard pill to swallow.”

A resounding cry can then be heard coming from McCray as the reality of his fate began to set in.

“You ain’t even have no business over there,” his grandmother said to him. “You don’t know nobody over there. We never took you over there a day in your life to go play with nobody and talk with nobody or nothing, other than to go over there and play football. And all of them attitudes and all of that other stuff, you can’t, I mean, you just can’t do it, baby.”

“Then, you ain’t wanna listen to us,” McCray’s grandmother said. “We couldn’t say nothing to you, nothing at all…cause now it’s too late.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Pennsylvania man charged after killing mother, wounding father after Christmas

Tragic Holiday Incident: Pennsylvania Man Faces Charges for Fatal Attack on Parents Post-Christmas

In a shocking incident that unfolded just after the festive season, an…
China fires rockets towards Taiwan in war games simulating blockade

China Launches Missile Drills: Tensions Escalate with Simulated Blockade of Taiwan

On Tuesday, China launched rockets toward Taiwan while simultaneously deploying amphibious assault…
US strikes 'terrorist boat' lurking in international waters

U.S. Targets Suspected Terrorist Vessel Operating in International Waters

The U.S. military has once again targeted a narco-terrorism vessel in international…
4 zodiac signs primed to be the luckiest in 2026

Astrological Forecast: Discover the 4 Zodiac Signs Predicted to Experience Exceptional Luck in 2026

As we approach the end of this year, celestial forecasts suggest that…
Body of triathlete found after shark attack off California coast

Triathlete’s Body Recovered Following Shark Attack off California Coast

In a tragic turn of events, the body of a missing triathlete…
Texas 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos vanishes outside her home on Christmas Eve

Urgent: Texas Sheriff Reports 19-Year-Old Camila Mendoza Olmos at High Risk

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has expressed concerns for the safety of…
What will happen to Arrowhead when the Chiefs leave?

The Future of Arrowhead Stadium: What’s Next After the Chiefs’ Departure?

Concerns are mounting that Arrowhead Stadium might become a neglected “white elephant”…
Feds launch 'massive' investigation after viral video alleges Minnesota daycare fraud

Federal Authorities Initiate Major Investigation Following Viral Video on Minnesota Daycare Fraud Allegations

Federal authorities launched an extensive investigation in Minnesota on Monday, prompted by…