Jacksonville, FL – Tragedy Strikes Friday Night Block Party as Elderly Woman Fatally Shot on Mid-Westside

Jacksonville, FL – Tragedy Strikes Friday Night Block Party as Elderly Woman Fatally Shot on Mid-Westside

Jacksonville’s Mid-Westside community was left reeling after a celebratory Friday night block party turned deadly when an elderly woman was fatally shot. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. on June 13, 2025, in the 1100 block of Grothe Street, has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and renewed urgent conversations about public safety, gun violence, and community protection.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of multiple gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered an elderly woman suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite swift medical intervention and the arrival of emergency responders, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

JSO has not yet released the name of the victim, pending notification of her family. However, neighbors and partygoers describe her as a long-time community member—someone known for her warmth, generosity, and presence at neighborhood events. Witnesses say the victim had simply come out to enjoy the evening festivities, which included music, food, and family-friendly entertainment, when gunfire erupted unexpectedly.

Chaos followed as people scrambled for cover, with some attendees diving behind cars and others fleeing into nearby homes. Children were reportedly present at the event, and many had to be rushed to safety by their parents and guardians. Witnesses described the sounds of laughter and music being replaced in an instant by screams and confusion.

“We were all just enjoying the night,” said one attendee who wished to remain anonymous. “Then shots rang out. Everyone scattered. It was like something out of a nightmare. And to think she—of all people—got hit. It’s heartbreaking.”

Detectives have launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting. While authorities have not confirmed whether the elderly woman was the intended target, preliminary information suggests she may have been caught in the crossfire. As of Saturday morning, no arrests had been made, and police have not publicly identified any suspects. Investigators are urging anyone with information or video footage of the event to come forward, stressing that community cooperation is critical to solving the case.

Crime scene technicians spent hours combing through the area for evidence, and bullet casings were recovered from the street and nearby yards. Officers went door to door speaking with residents and gathering statements from witnesses.

In the aftermath of the shooting, community leaders and local organizations have spoken out about the need for greater safety at public gatherings, especially in areas historically impacted by gun violence. The incident has reignited calls for increased police presence, investment in youth programs, and targeted violence intervention initiatives to address the root causes of conflict and prevent further tragedies.

“We cannot allow fear to dominate our neighborhoods,” said one local pastor at a small candlelight vigil held near the crime scene. “We are mourning a woman who should have been celebrating with friends and family, not lying lifeless in the street. This must stop.”

City officials have also expressed their condolences and pledged to support the family of the victim as well as the wider community. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan released a statement Saturday morning, saying:

“This senseless act of violence has stolen a beloved member of our community and left many others traumatized. My heart is with the victim’s family and everyone affected by this horrific event. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”

The 1100 block of Grothe Street, once buzzing with the sounds of summer celebration, now bears the quiet weight of mourning—a makeshift memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes already beginning to take shape.

As the investigation continues, JSO is asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

This tragedy stands as a painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn to grief, and how critical it is for communities to come together to push for lasting solutions to the epidemic of gun violence plaguing too many neighborhoods.