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Local
Dad Keeps Promise To Host Birthday Celebration For Son
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Johnny Johnson prom- ised his son that he would have a big party when he turned 18. However, Jayquon Johnson, who would have turned 18 on Sat- urday, July 8th, died on New Year’s Day.
Now, instead of having the birthday party, Johnson will host a Memorial Service. The event will begin with a visit to the young man’s grave from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. After leaving the gravesite at Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, the celebration of life will begin at 4 p.m., at Destiny Center, 7921 N. 40th Street (corner of N. 40th Street and Riverhills Dr.).
“I promised him that he would have a big 18th birthday party. And, I’m trying to keep my promise.
“This is also an opportu- nity for me to reach out to everyone and thank them for everything they have done,”
Johnson said.
He further stated that the
gathering is important be- cause of events that took place at the funeral. “I never made it to the repast because my mother, my son, (Jayquon’s older brother), and my niece who I’ve been taking care of since her mother died, all col- lapsed at the cemetery.
“We had to call ambu- lances, and I had to take care of them. So, I never got a chance to see anyone or to thank everyone.”
Johnson also vows to continue his fight for justice in the death of his son. “I’m my son’s only voice now because he is not here to speak for himself and I’m not going to let it go. I’m not going to let anyone sweep it under the rug.”
Johnson stated at the time of his son’s death and continues to say that he does- n’t want revenge, but he wants justice.
“We have no hatred to- wards anyone, but we want
Johnny Johnson, left, is shown with his son, Jayquon Johnson who was shot and killed on New Year’s Day.
everyone to be held account- able. Jayquon has been held accountable and everyone else should be also,” Johnson said.
The Shooting Jayquon became the first
violent death of the year on
New Year’s Day. He was at a home in the 4500 block of Cabbage Palm Drive, in Val- rico. When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered that Jayquon had been shot once. He died at a local hospi- tal as a result of the injury.
Although Cody Quinn reportedly admitted to shoot- ing Johnson, he claimed self-defense. Police said two guns were found at the scene. The detectives found dirt on both handguns. They learned that Ms. Heidi Quinn, the mother of the shooter, had taken both guns and buried them. She then retrieved the guns and put them back in the garage.
Police stated in charging affidavits that Johnson had gone to purchase marijuana from Quinn and both were armed. Quinn alleged that Johnson attempted to rob him and he shot in self-de- fense. The shooting took place in the garage of the home.
Detectives charged her with two counts of tampering
with evidence. The charges are felonies. Cody Quinn was charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm, which is a misdemeanor.
After obtaining a search warrant, police found drugs inside the home. Cody Quinn was also charged with felony possession with the in- tent to sell, drug trafficking, and possession of drug para- phernalia.
However, the State Attor- ney’s Office declined to pros- ecute Quinn in connection with Jayquon’s death.
His Biography Jayquon was the son of Ms. Kennishia Doyle-An- derson and Johnny John-
son, Sr.
A Tampa native, John-
son attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He was a sophomore at Brandon High School.
Standing at 6’10,” John- son was a starting member of the Brandon High School Bas- ketball Team.
FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-A