On Sunday night in Jacksonville’s Westside neighborhood, two‑year‑old A’mahri Robinson was shot and killed inside a home at the Valencia Way Apartments during what police say was a domestic dispute between adults. Just before midnight, officers responding to a disturbance call found A’mahri with a gunshot wound and rushed him to a hospital where he later died. Two other children under age ten who were in the home at the time were not injured. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says the shooting began as a dispute among adults, and a gun went off during the argument.
By early Monday, investigators had identified 21‑year‑old Steven Dodson Jr. as the main suspect in the deadly incident. Dodson fled the scene after the shooting, but law enforcement officers, with help from the U.S. Marshals Service, took him into custody within about 24 hours. He’s now facing a string of charges that include murder, attempted murder, child endangerment, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence.
Court records show Dodson has a criminal history that includes a 2024 prison sentence for a robbery conviction from a 2022 case, previous domestic battery arrests, and other firearm‑related offenses. Police have not released details on his relationship to the child or the adult at the home who ran from the scene after the shooting.
Family members and friends are struggling to process the shock. A’mahri was described by those who knew him as joyful and full of life, always smiling and happy to be around people. One family friend said the toddler was a “happy baby” who loved to run around with his sippy cup, bringing smiles to neighbors and relatives alike.
In the days since the tragedy, loved ones have gathered to grieve and remember A’mahri’s bright spirit. An aunt started a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial costs as the family begins to plan services. In a message shared by those close to the family, they thanked the community for support and asked for privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward to help piece together the full circumstances of that night. Authorities say all other adults who remained at the apartment after the shooting are cooperating with the investigation.
This tragic shooting has reignited concerns about violence in the Westside community, where neighbors are urging for more focus on safety and support for families affected by gun violence. As Jacksonville mourns a young life lost too soon, officials and residents alike are left to reflect on how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
