Amarion James, a 16-year-old from Tallahassee, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 17, 2019. Amarion, who had attended several schools in Leon County, including Godby High School, was known for his athletic talents and love for fishing and rapping. On the night of his death, Amarion had been at the North Florida Fair and called his mother for a ride home.
As his mother and stepfather approached the McDonald's on Orange Avenue, they saw police cars and an ambulance rushing away from the fairgrounds. Their worst fears were confirmed when they learned that Amarion had been shot multiple times, including a bullet wound to his forehead. Despite efforts by doctors at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to save him, Amarion succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Amarion's death revealed that he was the victim of a shooting that occurred near the South Monroe Commons shopping center, just a block from the fairgrounds. The shooting, which took place shortly after midnight, left Amarion with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, back, hand, and head. His girlfriend, who was with him at the time, was also covered in blood and unable to provide a coherent account of the events. The police investigation indicated that Amarion was the first to be taken to the hospital, where his parents were able to spend a few moments with him before he was taken into surgery.
Amarion's death was part of a larger pattern of gun violence affecting the youth in Tallahassee. In 2019 alone, 17 people died in 59 shootings in the city, with Amarion being the third student from Godby High School to be killed that year. The school community was deeply affected by his death, with students and staff struggling to cope with the loss. The principal of Godby High School described Amarion's death as a "senseless act of gun violence" and highlighted the need for the community to come together to address the issue of gun violence among teens.
As of now, there have been no arrests or suspects publicly identified in connection with Amarion's murder. The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement authorities continuing to seek information and leads that could help bring those responsible to justice. Amarion's family and the Tallahassee community continue to mourn his loss and advocate for an end to the violence that has claimed the lives of so many young people.
