JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville mother is fearing for her safety nearly one month after her seven-year-old son was shot and killed in what investigators believe was a gang-related shooting. 

Seven-year-old Breon Allen was killed and 21-year-old Lafayette Mango Jr. was injured during a shooting outside of a home on the Westside on January 24, 2025. No arrests have been made yet, and Mango is still in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Breon’s mother, Casheena Love, is now asking for protection from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. 

“I don’t live a life where I have run, look over my shoulder or worry about somebody coming after me. And I don’t want to start,” Love said.

Love’s son, Breon, was walking with Mango at the time of the shooting. According to JSO, Mango is a known gang associate.

Love received texts Monday evening from Mango who questioned why she provided detectives with certain information about the shooting and who could be involved. She thought the information would stay confidential until her son’s killers were caught.

Love now believes her family could be a target of more gang violence, and she’s asking for some protection.

“I have five other children and it’s hard to just pick up and move with five kids. It’s hard to just —  be incognito with five kids,” Love explained.

A spokesperson with JSO told First Coast News they were made aware of Love’s concerns and did speak with her about them. A spokesperson for Mayor Donna Deegan’s office also confirmed they are aware of Love’s concerns. Deegan has been in contact with a family representative and Sheriff T.K. Waters about this situation. 

Love said she just wants to feel safe while she waits for justice for her baby boy.

“It could cause a lot of issues in the streets. It could just blow up into something bigger than what it really is, and I don’t want my name or my family’s name involved in it. Because we did nothing wrong, we are the victims. Our son was taken from us,” Love said.

This investigation remains active and a spokesperson for JSO said they are using every resource available to close this case. A $25,000 reward is still being offered for any information that leads to an arrest. Call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS, or submit a tip securely online.