On January 8, 2023, 12-year-old James Lett Jr. was fatally shot while visiting friends at a home on the 2600 block of East 111th Avenue in Tampa, Florida. James had spent the previous day with family; his relatives later recalled that he seemed to be saying his goodbyes. He was a seventh grader at Greco Middle School who loved football and video games and was described by family as mature and caring toward younger relatives.

Police say several juveniles at the home handled a firearm recklessly, pointing it at one another. A 14-year-old boy later admitted to pulling the trigger, saying he did not know the gun was loaded. The bullet struck James in the back of the head, exited through his forehead, and also injured a 15-year-old boy, who was treated at Tampa General Hospital. The 14-year-old was arrested and charged with manslaughter with a weapon and was to be prosecuted as an adult.

A memorial service for James was held at Exciting Faith Alive Church and he was buried at Rest Haven Cemetery. His mother, Latrina Jackson, said she was grateful for the investigation but sorrowful that another mother’s child now faced the justice system and hoped James’s death would be a lesson for other children. If anyone knew James or has information about the events that day, please come forward.