A late-night domestic dispute inside a Hillcrest apartment ended in tragedy when a 2-year-old boy was shot and killed, according to Jacksonville police. Officers arrived just before midnight at an apartment in the 1200 block of Labelle Street and found the child suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Inside the apartment, authorities detained other occupants, including two additional children under the age of 10, while investigators processed the scene. Police said one person left the home and detectives are now searching for that individual.
According to Action News Jax, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers were called to reports of a person shot just before midnight in the 1200 block of Labelle Street. The outlet reports that officers found the 2-year-old with a gunshot wound and that he was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators detained other occupants, including two children under 10, as they worked the scene. Authorities told the station they are looking for a person who left the apartment and have not identified any suspects or announced charges.
Labelle Street's recent history
The stretch of Labelle Street in the Hillcrest area has seen other shootings in recent years, adding to persistent safety concerns on the Westside. News4Jax reported on a May 12, 2025 confrontation at an apartment complex on Labelle Street that left three people shot and prompted a canvass for witnesses.
How to report tips
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The agency lists a non-emergency phone number and online tip options on its website. Visit the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for details.
