Skip navigation

MOBB United Statement Regarding the Police Shooting Death of Jamee Johnson

Moms of Black Boys United for Social Change stands with the family of Jamee Johnson and the Jacksonville, Florida community as they seek justice faced with the tragedy of another young life taken too soon by law enforcement in Jacksonville, Florida on December 14, 2019. As an organization of moms raising and caring for Black boys, we mourn with and offer condolences to all families of the 13 Black men killed by police just during December 2019 alone, including Michael Dean in Temple, Texas.

Jamee Johnson had attended Florida A & M University from Fall 2015 to Spring 2019, studying in the business administration program. Students who knew him describe Jamee as a kind and gentle person and are deeply saddened by his death.

The facts surrounding Jamee’s shooting by Deputy Carmen Garriga of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office have not been fully determined as the Sheriff’s Office indicates they are conducting an ongoing investigation. As in all incidents of officer-involved shootings and allegations of police brutality and excessive force, Black boys and men deserve and are legally entitled to the equal protection and due process afforded to any person involved with the criminal justice system. To that end, MOBB United advocates for process and procedural safeguards, transparency, and truth during the course of investigations. Consequently, we urge and call upon the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to observe and abide by its own stated policies regarding investigations and the use of body cameras therein, specifically:

  • Verify that the possessing officer has turned over the body camera to the patrol supervisor and that a patrol supervisor has taken sole possession of the body camera involved in this incident
  • Confirm whether a call out was issued for a body camera administrator or designee to come to the scene of the incident and download the body camera footage, and whether an access restriction has been placed on the footage
  • Confirm whether you have received any public records requests for the body camera footage re: this incident and advise of the status/disposition of any such requests
  • Release a statement to the community explaining what the investigative process will be going forward, and issue weekly updates on the investigation

Additionally, we join with the family in calling for the expeditious release of the body camera footage; and if it is determined that the shooting was unjustified, violated policy of the Jacksonville Sheriff Office, and/or constitutes criminal conduct, we will insist that immediate action be taken by the respective authorities to hold Officer Garriga accountable for his actions.

MOBB United further calls upon our members and allies in the Jacksonville area and nationwide to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to voice your concern and request the actions named above be taken.



M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. is a nationwide coalition of moms who are dedicated to making the world a safer place for Black boys and men by eradicating harassment, brutality and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement against our sons. The group was born out of frustration over the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile in Minnesota and numerous other innocent Black boys and men killed by police before and after them. It has grown into a mobilized force of moms determined to make a difference. We aim to influence both policy and perception that impact how Black boys and men are treated by law enforcement.

Continue Reading

Read More