Kent Rene Patterson Jr., 16, of Citra, Florida, was shot and killed on August 6, 2022. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting near the 4700 block of W Highway 318 at about 1:50 a.m.; Patterson was found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Major Crimes detectives opened the investigation.

Patterson had recently started working at Cracker Barrel and was a junior at Barbara K. Smith School of Excellence; family and friends remembered him for his smile and love of music, and he was expecting his first child in February 2023. No arrests have been announced and investigators are asking the public for tips to help solve the case.

If anyone knew Kent, saw activity near W Highway 318 that night, or has information that could assist investigators, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.