The mother of a teenager shot to death allegedly over loud music told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday she is grateful for the outpouring of support the family has experienced. But the hardest days may be yet to come.
A memorial service was held Wednesday evening in Jacksonville, Fla., for 17-year-old Jordan Russell Davis, who died Friday night. On Thursday, family members will bring Davis back to Georgia, where a funeral will be held before he is buried, the teen’s mother, Lucia McBath said Wednesday afternoon.
The service for the teen came just hours after the man accused in his killed waived his first court appearance. Michael David Dunn, 45, was jailed without bail on a second-degree homicide charge, according to police.
A middle-aged software developer known for collecting guns claims he acted in self-defense when he fired at least eight shots into a SUV parked in front of a Florida gas station. Dunn had allegedly told the teens to turn down music, prompting a verbal exchange, according to Lt. Rob Schoonover with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office homicide unit.
“I just fired at these kids,” Dunn allegedly told his girlfriend, who ran out of the convenience store after hearing shots, according to police. Then, Dunn got back into his sedan along with girlfriend and the two drove back to their Jacksonville hotel Friday night, Schoonover said.
Three teenagers were sitting in the Dodge Durango when Dunn opened fire, but only Davis, in the backseat, was shot. He died after being transported to a local hospital, police said.
“They were listening to music. It was loud, they admitted that,” Schoonover said. “But that’s not a reason for someone to open fire and take action.”
There were no surveillance cameras at the gas station, but witnesses were able to get the tag number for Dunn’s Volkswagen, leading investigators to the suspect. Dunn was arrested Saturday at his home in Satellite Beach, about 200 miles away. His girlfriend, whose name was not released, will not face charges.
“His side of the story is he felt threatened and that is the reason he took action,” Schoonover said.
Dunn has no known criminal history.
A visitation for Davis, whose mother lives in Cobb County, will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, 2480 Macland Road. The funeral will be Saturday at noon at Trinity Chapel Church of God, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs. Davis will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park.
“His side of the story is he felt threatened and that is the reason he took action,” the detective said.
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