JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nov. 23, 2024, marks 12 years since 17-year-old Jordan Davis was shot and killed at a gas station on Jacksonville's Southside. His death sparked outrage across the country.
Davis and three of his friends were sitting in a car at the Gate gas station off Southside Boulevard. Michael Dunn pulled into the spot next to them. He asked Davis and his friends to turn down their music. An argument began and that is when Dunn fired a gun multiple times into the car, killing Davis.
Ronald Davis is Jordan's dad. He stopped by the gas station Saturday to lay flowers next to a memorial plaque.
"It's unbelievable that it's been so long," Ronald said.
Ronald said this day is always bittersweet for his family, but he is grateful for the love and support he receives from the community. Davis would have been 29 this year. Ronald believes his son would have been married by now with a family of his own.
"He would have been married by now. He would have been married by now because his girlfriend, his high school sweetheart was the love of his life. He would have been married to her by now. And hopefully, I would have had some more grandchildren," Ronald said.
Ronald and Davis' mother, Lucy McBath, are carrying on Davis' legacy through philanthropy. McBath started the Champion in the Making Legacy Foundation, which provides scholarships to young Black men. Ronald started the Jordan Davis Foundation which helps youth around the world.
"We've been able to feed thousands of families all around the world...So this is what we're doing as a family. We're going to keep his name on people's lips and in their minds. But also we want other kids also to be on their lips and on their mind," Ronald explained.
Dunn is currently serving a life sentence for the murder. After the court rejected Dunn's appeal, Ronald is glad Dunn is staying behind bars.
"I just thank God that the man that shot and killed my son, Michael Dunn, is still in prison because a lot of times people get justice in the courtroom and then a few years later, the person gets out on appeal and we've been very blessed that he did not get out on appeal and he's still locked up somewhere, cannot harm somebody else's child," Ronald said.
As another anniversary passes, Ronald said he will continue to keep his son's memory alive.
"It's been 12 years now and I just hope Jacksonville doesn't forget Jordan Davis. And what he stood for. I hope they never forget that," Ronald said.