Keep your juvenile gang members in Jacksonville

Friday, Historic City News editor Michael Gold, had the occasion to attend a press conference at the Sheriff’s squad room in St Augustine. The announcements were jointly made by Sheriff Shoar, St. Augustine Police Chief Loran Lueders, St Augustine Beach Chief Robert A. Hardwick, and State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit R. J. Larizza.

Besides a throng of law enforcement officers and members of the press, a mother and father of a young man who was murdered last week on Masters Drive — second murder on Masters Drive in the past 90 days.

We’ve experienced a growing number of felony crimes against persons and property in St Johns County in recent months and the incidence of those crimes being committed by juveniles and adult teens is also on the increase.

Sheriff David B Shoar blames the recent spike in crimes against St. Johns County residents on criminals pouring in from Jacksonville. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, compared to neighboring counties, Jacksonville carries the highest crime rate.

Arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle and recent car burglaries, all from Jacksonville: Kelvin Wright, 30-years-old; Ja’Vorace Bell, 22-years-old; Tyre Burgess and Darius Patterson, both 21-years-old; Talina McCall, 19-years-old, and Dominique Jackson, 18-years-old.

A Jacksonville couple driving a stolen vehicle were arrested in connection with an armed robbery, Dreren Williams, 20-years-old; and Angelina Nichole Green, 19-years-old.

And, two others were responsible for the Wednesday night murder of Carl Starke at his home. Police believe two juveniles, 17-ear-old Kevin Williams and 16-year-old Christopher O’Neal, possibly in conjunction with three other juveniles, were trolling the WalMart parking lot for potential cars to steal. They must have observed that Starke, who was autistic, would be an easy target — so they followed him home and killed him outside his condominium. The investigators know the identity of the three other persons of interest. All five are from Jacksonville.

Jacksonville has a new sheriff and mayor. Historic City News would like to extend congratulations and wish them both the best of luck in their new leadership roles. We would also like to tell them to keep their worthless criminal punks and thugs in Duval County. Parents there need to assume responsibility for their children, and need to be held accountable for their actions.