JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The family of Charles Faggart, a Jacksonville father and popular local caterer, who died from injuries sustained in the Duval County Jail, released an additional statement Friday, through their attorney Belkis Plata. 

They have been calling for answers, as they say JSO has not released any information to them regarding how Faggart was fatally injured, other than that nine officers are being investigated.

While the Jacksonville community expresses both support and outrage on Faggart’s behalf, the family is now asking that anyone who decides to protest in his name “remain peaceful.”

The family expresses their gratitude to the community in their statement, going on to say, “Your kindness, generosity, and activism have brought comfort as they continue to seek answers surrounding the tragic circumstances of Charles’ death at the hands of members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.”

The statement said Faggart’s family “understands that Charles’ death has rightfully sparked anger, frustration, and grief throughout the community,” and “share those emotions deeply.” 

Plata says they do not discourage demonstrations, only asking that anyone protesting remain peaceful: “The family firmly believes that accountability and justice can — and must — coexist with peace.” 

The statement also notes that beyond the officers being questioned in the case, there are “many good and honorable members of law enforcement who serve this community with integrity.”

It concludes: “The family asks that the community remember this distinction as they lift their voices and demand justice for Charles.

Faggart died April 10 after an incident inside the Duval County Jail left him in critical condition on April 7. Eight corrections officers and a sergeant are under investigation. 

You can read more on what happened here.