Adrian Watkins Jr., 18, of Jacksonville, Florida, was found dead in a ditch in Northwest Jacksonville on January 31, 2014. A First Coast High School student, Adrian’s parents said he enjoyed cooking and sports. They also said he had recently begun associating with a less favorable crowd.

Investigators say Adrian told his parents he was going to a party at a Hampton Inn the night he died. Witnesses later placed him walking with Gregory Devalle Robinson, a neighbor and friend who lived across the street. The two had been involved in a group fight at school that led to their expulsion. According to the investigation, Robinson shot Adrian three times in a nearby park, fled, and the gun was later recovered from Robinson’s house. Robinson was charged with second-degree murder and pleaded guilty in 2017.

Adrian’s family continues to grieve and hopes his story will warn other young people about the consequences of violence. If anyone knew Adrian, his circle, or has information about the events that led to that night, please come forward.