Avery McKnight was 19 when he was shot and killed on December 3, 2015, on Odessa Street in Jacksonville, Florida. Known as Shug, he was identified with the gang 187, and investigators tied his killing to an ongoing feud between 187 and the rival group PCE (Problem Child Entertainment). The slaying followed a dispute at a concert in late 2015 and formed part of an escalation of retaliatory attacks that included drive-by shootings and other targeted violence across the city.

Police described the feud as being amplified by social media and rap videos that referenced individuals and incidents, serving as coded communication and inflaming reprisals. In the weeks after Avery’s death, violence continued: a memorial was disrupted by a drive-by and later shootings resulted in additional injuries and fatalities, including a toddler killed in early 2016. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward to help break the cycle of retaliation and assist the investigation.

If anyone knew Avery, witnessed activity on Odessa Street around December 3, 2015, or has information about the rivalry between 187 and PCE, please share what is known.