JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The question family of the 17-year-old shot and killed in Murray Hill this week is asking "Why?"
First Coast News sat down exclusively with the family of Blaise Conner following the arrest of another teenager for his death less than 48 hours later.
“I would say to the man that killed my grandson that there are always consequences for choices you make in life,” said Debbie Smith, Blaise’s grandmother.
Smith describes Blaise as a happy, polite and intelligent kid. Top of mind for her is the last day she was with him when the two of them were just spending time together.
“I enjoyed the day,” she said. “I’m glad I had it.”
Now, another day will also stand out. Josef Madison, 18, was arrested Thursday evening and charged with second degree murder in Blaise’s death. According to the arrest report, Madison and Blaise were in a fistfight caught on camera down the street from Murray Hill Church on Tuesday.
Later that day, the report states Madison walked past Blaise and another person near the church. That’s where police say they found Blaise dead, having been shot multiple times.
“Why?” asked Blaise’s uncle, William Conner. “What was so bad for you to take my nephew's life?”
Blaise’s 13-year-old cousin Rainey Norman says the two would roughhouse and loved each other.
“I didn’t get to talk to him and tell him goodbye,” Norman said.
Madison is also charged with having a gun illegally. Police say that was because of a plea deal he took in January last year on charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“I hope the judge throws the book at him,” said Blaise’s aunt, Lynn Conner.
Now Blaise’s family only has memories and is planning a memorial.
“I know that he’s looking down on us,” Lynn Conner said when asked about a memorial. “Let him know that we love him, we miss him. He was special to us.”
Blaise was a student at Riverside High School and school district officials say they had extra grief counselors available this week.
Madison’s bond is set at more than $1.5 million.
“I'm sorry for his family that they are going to have to go through this too,” Smith said about Madison. “Because they're hurting now. So he's ruined a lot of lives.”