JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jamee Johnson's mother is reacting to the arrest of former JSO officer Josue Garriga who shot and killed her son during a traffic stop in December 2019.
Johnson was 22 years old at the time, and was pulled over for seatbelt violation. His mother, Kimberly Strickland, said even though it has been four years since his death, life has not gotten any easier.
"His death consumed my life. It was unbearable to say you lost your child at 22," Strickland said.
Strickland remembers her son as a fun and loving young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
“He loved everybody. He would give you the shirt off his back. He had a smile that lit up the room when he walked in it," Strickland said.
Her world came crashing down in December 2019 when Johnson was shot and killed by Garriga during a traffic stop. Garriga claimed Johnson was reaching for a weapon. His family argued the body camera video did not show any evidence of that.
The State Attorney's Office said the shooting was justified. Johnson's family sued Garriga and the sheriff at the time, and settled with the City of Jacksonville in November 2023.
"I'm not saying that my son did everything right, he shouldn't have tried to get back in the car. But he was scared, he didn't deserve to die," Strickland explained.
Strickland said she was shocked to learn of Garriga's arrest. He faces several charges for sex crimes with a minor.
"I feel sorry for her, my heart goes out to the young lady. But I never could have imagined he would do something like this," Strickland said.
While she continues to grieve the loss of her youngest child, Strickland hopes the victim in Garriga's case finds justice in the end.
"It’s always going to be bittersweet for me because nothing happened with him killing my son. But at least he's off the streets. That'll give me some comfort to know that he can't hurt another family and shatter their lives," Strickland said.