‘My world:’ Mom seeks justice after 16-year-old shot to death in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Wednesday night in Daytona Beach, according to police.

Daytona Beach police said officers were called at 9:41 p.m. to the 400 block of Hudson Street for a shooting.

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Officers said they found the teen, later identified by police as Frederick Cooper, suffering from a gunshot wound. Cooper was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said.

Cooper’s mother, Sonya Jackson, described her son as a loving and sweet person who stayed to himself and had a good sense of humor.

“That was my world. Everyone loved him,” Jackson said. “I just want justice for my son and whoever did this, I expect you to come forward. You took an innocent life.”

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It’s not known what led to the shooting.

No arrests have been made, and police continue to search for the shooter, who they said was wearing all black clothing and a black mask. The suspected shooter was last seen running through an empty lot at 411 Henry Butts Drive before heading toward Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, according to an incident report.

“This is just a senseless, senseless act of violence on a 16-year-old,” Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said. “We have a full court press for the suspect. All of my investigators, they’re out there.”

Young said the community can help solve the case.

“It will be very difficult to solve, but I think we do have a good rapport with the community, so I’m hoping that today will generate the leads that we’re looking for.”

Cooper attended Spruce Creek High School.

The Volusia County school district released the following statement:

Spruce Creek High School and Volusia County Schools are mourning the loss of a student, Frederick Cooper, last night. The district’s crisis response team has been dispatched to Spruce Creek to offer additional bereavement support services to students and staff who may be experiencing grief. We offer our condolences to Frederick’s friends, family and loved ones, who knew him better as “Coop.” The loss of any individual is such a difficult time, but it is further tragedy when it is a young student who is a victim of violence. Spruce Creek is a strong community that will lean on each other, cherish the memories of their classmate and honor him.

Volusia County Schools

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact detectives at 386-671-5245 or ravizachary@dbpd.us.

Check back for updates.

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