Thirteen-year-old Emony Nicole Jackson was fatally shot in Orlando on Dec. 25 after a 15-year-old allegedly fired a gun and later told deputies he was responsible. Emony died at a local hospital and the teen has been charged with manslaughter. Family members and mentors remembered Emony’s ambitions and hardships, and they are calling for accountability. Officials urged secure firearm storage as a prevention measure; more details are pending as the investigation continues.
13-Year-Old Emony Nicole Jackson Fatally Shot in Orlando on Christmas Day; Teen Charged With Manslaughter
WESH 2 News/YouTubeThe scene of the Dec. 25 shooting
A 13-year-old girl, Emony Nicole Jackson, was killed in an accidental shooting on Christmas Day in Orlando, authorities said. The Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) confirmed that the incident occurred on Dec. 25 and that a 15-year-old has been charged in connection with the death.
Shooting Details
Deputies were called to a home on the 2200 block of Okada Court at about 4:45 p.m. local time after reports of a person being shot. Emony was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
While officers were at the scene, a 15-year-old boy approached them and reportedly told deputies he was "responsible for the shooting" and that it was accidental, the OCSO told PEOPLE. The juvenile has been charged with manslaughter; his identity has not been released.
Family, Mentor Reactions
"When I found out, I screamed and cried," said Chrissy Boyce, who mentored Emony through the nonprofit Elevate Orlando. "It wasn't very pretty."
Emony's cousin, Tramaine Henderson, described the family's grief and the hardship Emony had overcome after losing her mother and younger sister in a 2017 car crash. "She went through a lot in her life," Henderson said. "But the lemons she was given, she made lemonade out of it."
Google Maps2200 block of Okada Court in Orlando, where the Dec. 25 shooting took place.
Those who knew Emony remember her hopes for the future. She had been excited to start high school and dreamed of becoming a cheerleader; her mentor had even reached out to a coach on Emony's behalf. "She had goals," Henderson said. "She would never get to go to prom. She would never get to go to college."
Calls For Accountability And Prevention
The family has spoken publicly to seek "some accountability" in the case. Henderson noted the broader consequences: "He's a child, but at the end of the day, his family will get to see him. My family won't get to see Emony anymore." He added, "At 15, you should not have a gun. I think there needs to be some accountability."
Officials and advocates emphasized that secure firearm storage is a key prevention measure to keep children from accessing guns. For guidance on safe firearm storage, visit BeSMARTforkids.org.
Note: This report is based on statements from the Orange County Sheriff's Office and family members. The investigation is ongoing.
