Justice Coalition hosts ‘Victory Over Violence’ breakfast to honor victims of violent crimes and their families

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Justice Coalition hosted a breakfast in Jacksonville Friday morning to honor and support thousands of victims of violent crimes and their families.

News4JAX anchor Ashley Harding was the emcee of an event called “Victory Over Violence” at the Jacksonville Fire Fighters Association union branch on Stockton Street in Jacksonville.

RELATED | Justice Coalition continues ‘Shoot for Justice’ campaign to raise money for victims of violent crime

Parents of murder victims were among the speakers, including the parents of Tristyn Bailey and Gabriel Devoe.

Gabriel Devoe He was shot and killed in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Arlington nearly two years ago.

Devoe was the cousin of News4JAX anchor and Traffic Anchor Amanda DeVoe.

“His infectious smile. His attitude. The light he brought to our family. He was witty, funny and loved life. He loved his God. He loved football. I remember our family when he came home from college. I would run down the stairs and say there was my brand new son. He would say a mile. Hello beautiful lady. I miss that moment. I would give anything to have this again,” said Rose Devoe, Gabriel’s mother.

RELATED | Mother of slain Jacksonville college student in 2023 asks society to stop turning a blind eye to violent crime

Gabriel was a month away from graduating from college when he was killed.

There were no arrests in his case.

His mother, Rose, said there is a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case.

“I will fight until the end for his justice,” Rose said.

Rose talked about the work the Justice Coalition has done for her and her family since her son’s murder.

“They opened their arms, embraced me, and walked past me. They explained to me the options available to me as a victim. They will be there when justice is served, attending the hearings and accompanying me through what I am sure will be one of the hardest and darkest times of our lives. I admire them for the work they do and the small amount of funding they have,” Rose said.

Justice Coalition Executive Director Robert Bracewell said the organization provides resources to crime victims and their families.

“Being their voice through the court system, helping them with any of their needs like counseling, legal advice, referring them to other organizations and being a listener, an ear, a voice, tell their story,” Bracewell said.

According to the Justice Coalition, one of the reasons for this fundraiser is that they raised enough money to restart the monthly newspaper, which it had to discontinue in 2020.

The money raised at this event will be used to help more victims and restart the monthly victim advocate newspaper. It has been on hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of funds.

Then there was the case of a 13-year-old boy. Tristyn BaileyIn 2021, St. Stabbed to death by a schoolmate on Mother’s Day in St. Johns County; This situation sparked national attention.

MORE | 3 years after the murder Tristyn Bailey’s legacy lives on as the foundation educates and empowers young people

Her killer was sentenced to life in prison and must serve at least 25 years.

Tristyn’s father, Forrest, was also one of the guest speakers. He says his family set up a foundation in his name.

Its resources include scholarships for youth and self-defense classes.

“My daughter fought for her life. She was stabbed 114 times, 49 of which were in defense. She was a warrior and this honors her,” Forrest said.

He said the Justice Coalition’s mission must continue.

“There is a need for what you do as victim advocacy, as a justice coalition,” Forrest said.