A Community's Grief: The Unsolved Murder of Jacksonville Teen Devron Crowden

A Promising Life Cut Short

On the morning of December 10, 2014, the Grand Park neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, was shaken by a tragic event that would leave an indelible mark on the community. Sixteen-year-old Devron Dexter Crowden, affectionately known as "Big Baby" to his friends and family, was fatally shot while waiting at a bus stop near the intersection of 13th and Canal Streets. Devron, a student at Raines High School and a passionate football player with the Grand Park Athletic Association, had been dropped off by his mother just moments before the incident. The sound of gunfire—neighbors reported hearing as many as 15 shots—pierced the morning calm, and Devron was found lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the immediate response from law enforcement, no suspects were identified, and the case remains unsolved to this day.

A Family's Unimaginable Loss

The murder of Devron was the first of three devastating losses for the Crowden family over a span of ten years. In 2017, Devron's brother, Rakwon Backley, was also a victim of gun violence, followed by the death of another brother, Darrius Murray, in October 2023. Their father, Daryl Crowden, has been profoundly affected by these tragedies. Reflecting on his time away from his family due to incarceration, Daryl expressed deep remorse, believing that his presence might have altered the course of events. In response to his personal experiences and the loss of his sons, he founded the "Janitor for Life" organization, aiming to mentor young men and steer them away from the path of violence. Through this initiative, Daryl seeks to provide guidance and alternatives to the youth in his community, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in combating the pervasive issue of gun violence. ...Read More

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