Community Urged to Help as Jacksonville Family Seeks Justice for Man Killed During Hurricane Helene

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The quiet streets of Jacksonville’s Mixon Town neighborhood were disrupted by tragedy when Brandon Holcomb, a local resident, was fatally shot multiple times outside his home during Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26. In the wake of the storm and shooting, loved ones and community members are rallying for answers.

Family members, accompanied by MAD DADS, a community-focused crime prevention group, have been canvassing the area to find any information that might lead to the capture and conviction of those responsible. Holcomb, who would have celebrated his 39th birthday just days after his death, is remembered as a loving father and son who lived a simple life centered around work and home.

Ericka Kohn, Holcomb’s mother, is spearheading the quest for justice amidst her profound grief. Despite the comfort of her home being marked by bullet holes—a stark reminder of the violence that took her son—she remains determined. Kohn described the overwhelming force used against her son as excessive and senseless, underscoring the brutality of the incident.

Holcomb’s death has left a void not only in Kohn’s life but also in the life of his young daughter, Brielle, who expressed her sadness by recalling her father’s love for her. The family’s pain was palpable as they spent Holcomb’s recent birthday at his gravesite rather than celebrating his life in presence.

The outreach efforts by MAD DADS not only involve disseminating Holcomb’s story but also encouraging residents to come forward with any potentially helpful information. AJ Jordan, an outreach coordinator with the organization, emphasized the universal impact of such tragic events, stating that community solidarity and proactive engagement are crucial in these circumstances.

Jordan remembered Holcomb as a hardworking individual, employed at the local port, whose life was grounded in simplicity and care for his loved ones. The community’s response, he hoped, would reflect the seriousness of the loss and the shared desire for safety and peace.

In an effort to further the investigation, authorities have announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. This financial incentive underscores the community and law enforcement’s commitment to finding answers and ensuring justice for victims like Holcomb.

As the investigation continues, Kohn’s resolve only strengthens. She issued a heartfelt plea to those involved in her son’s death to surrender to authorities, stressing the irreversible loss she has suffered compared to the confinement they might face—highlighting a grief only a visit to a grave can exacerbate, rather than the possibility of visits behind bars.

With community safety and justice hanging in the balance, Jacksonville’s Mixon Town neighborhood, along with MAD DADS, remains vigilant, hoping that their combined efforts will lead to a breakthrough in a case that has not only torn a family apart but has also shaken the local community to its core.