Friends remember Jacksonville veteran killed in shooting

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced Friday an increased reward in the shooting death of 41-year-old veteran Byron W. Walker.

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First Coast Crime Stoppers is now offering $20,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible.

It's been almost a month since JSO was called to Maidstone Cove Drive, where shots were reported on May 23.

Police found Walker at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds, and Jacksonville firefighters took him to a local hospital where he died.

Last month, investigators said a man was arrested and questioned at JSO headquarters.

Two of Walker's best friends said he was a genuine person.

“When you think of Byron, you have to think of him,” Justin West said. “[It could be] the darkest night and this individual would bring light to it. He will always smile, even if he is upset. He had this crazy, infectious smile that made you want to ask, “What’s so funny?” »

Darryl Snyder said the family decided to increase the reward to $20,000.

“We don't want this to be a cold case where the perpetrators are out in the community and possibly preying on other people. It is essential to get these individuals off the streets. And that’s why the reward is so high and we increased it,” Synder said.

Sgt. Steve Rudlaff of the JSO homicide unit said investigators believe the incident was targeted.

Rudlaff said they are continuing their investigation. The search for additional information about those involved has not stopped.

The JSO Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit and partners from the State Attorney’s Office continued to review the evidence.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500, by email at [email protected], through First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS or by calling **8477.