Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander Jr. shared a devastating update on January 6, announcing the heartbreaking loss of his 13-year-old nephew, Johvan Taylor, who was tragically killed in a shooting in Florida City.
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 4, when shots were fired into a group of children in Florida City. Taylor, known affectionately by his family and friends as “Woodah,” was struck by the gunfire.
The shooting left him critically injured, and he was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Another child was also wounded in the attack and was hospitalized.
“Never been this crushed in my life,” Alexander posted on X alongside a link to a CBS News Miami story covering the tragedy.
Taylor, who celebrated his 13th birthday in November, was an active member of the Florida City Razorbacks little league football team.
His family fondly remembered him for his bright personality, his infectious smile, and his strong character. Cheryl Walker, a family friend, spoke about Taylor’s kindness during a vigil.
“Just his personality, that smile, who he was as a person, very bold, outspoken, good child, good grades,” Walker said.
Call for justice
The grief-stricken family is struggling to come to terms with the loss. Taylor’s aunt, Jakilah Brady, expressed disbelief at the tragic event.
“I’m just confused, I’m in shock, I don’t believe it. I feel like it’s all a dream. I just want him to wake up. He was so happy, he lived a good life. He did not deserve nothing that happened to him, so if you know anything, please speak up,” Brady said.
“Woodah would do anything to help anybody so if y’all can do anything to help him, please we as a family, we as friends, as everybody we need closure. We want closure, we want justice.”
The Florida City Police Department reported that shots were fired into a group of children near Northwest 13th Street and Sixth Avenue around 20:00 on the evening of the shooting.
According to police, Taylor and another child were caught in the crossfire. Authorities are investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made.
The Miami-Dade Police Department has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
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