A gang-related senseless act of violence killed a 7-year-old boy in what police say was a targeted gang-related shooting fueled by a long history of gang rivalry. Breon Allen was walking with his cousin, 21-year-old Lafayette Mango Jr., on January 24, 2025, when the gunmen shot and killed Breon and seriously injured Mango. Six suspected members of the 6 Block gang were taken into custody for the shooting.
It was a daytime shooting when Breon and Mango were exiting a house in Jacksonville. The witnesses said the shots had been shot from a dark vehicle, believed to be a Kia Soul. Police later determined the targeted victim was Mango, a member of the ATK gang. Breon, being an innocent child, was caught up in the crossfire and was killed.
After conducting a rigorous investigation, six suspects were arrested by the police: Zharod Sykes (24), Keith Johnson (21), Dannel Larkins (20), Keith Fields (18), and two others whose names were not revealed. All of these individuals stand accused of second-degree murder, conspiracy to murder, and of attempting murder of the first degree. Authorities say one of the suspects had confessed, revealing vital information on the planning and carrying out of the assault.
The violence was condemned by Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, describing the shooting as a “targeted, planned act” and calling for increased action against gang crime.
“This is the result of senseless gang violence that has terrorized our communities for years. A child has lost their life because of a feud that should never have escalated this far.”
The ATK and 6 Block gangs also have a violent history of retaliation, fueled by social media shots and diss tracks. The rivalry was further fueled after the 2024 murder of Jacksonville rapper Charles “Julio Foolio” Jones, a 6 Block affiliate, was shot and slain in a targeted attack in Tampa. Police say his murder only fueled the rivalry further, leading to a spike of violent crimes.
As part of a related gang violence case, seven MS-13 gang members were indicted on a number of racketeering crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, and attempted murder. The arrests mirror the increased presence of gang violence across the country, with law enforcement agencies nationwide acting to dismantle such criminal organizations.
HSI New York Special Agent William S. Walker underscored the gravity of the charges:
“With each new indictment, we continue breaking the hold MS-13 has on our communities. These individuals had a complete disregard for human life, and we will not stand idly by.”
The community of Jacksonville was shocked by the death of Breon. His neighbors and community attended a vigil, seeking justice and the violence to end.
“No child should be forced to fear, much less lose their life, for something like this,” the local said.
Community leaders also urge the authorities for increased action against gang crime, for example, greater police presence, prevention of vulnerable youth, and harsher punishment for violent criminals.
