Skyler Shane Townsend was 18 when he died in a shooting on November 17, 2020, in the 1100 block of Center Street in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Born December 22, 2001, in Orange Park, he had finished high school early and was active on social media, creating and editing videos; family and friends remember him for his humor and creativity.

The shooting occurred in front of a long-time resident’s home; the resident, Bessie Kelsey, heard multiple gunshots and then saw Skyler lying unresponsive. Two other people were wounded in the incident. Investigators determined Skyler was involved in an attempted robbery that night with several other men and that one of those men was armed with an AR-style rifle. Police did not release full motive details or the identities of everyone involved.

Several suspects were arrested as the investigation proceeded and one man named Austin was later found guilty of murder in connection with the case. Skyler’s death has deeply affected his family and the Green Cove Springs community.

If anyone knew Skyler or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.