Tragedy struck the Sandalwood community in Jacksonville as a family mourns the untimely death of 16-year-old Amir Bostic, who was fatally shot in a violent incident on Friday night. The heartbreak reverberates through the area, leaving many grappling with the loss of a young life.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Amir was killed in what authorities suspect was a drug deal gone wrong. The shooting also left two others injured, including another teenager, deepening the sense of shock and sorrow within the community.
Disturbing surveillance footage obtained by First Coast News reveals the harrowing moment gunshots shattered the peace of the normally serene neighborhood, marking the tragic end of Amir’s life.
Edward Bostic Sr., Amir’s grandfather, spoke fondly of his grandson, emphasizing the teen’s generous nature. “Amir is the type of child that would give you the shirt off his back,” he shared, underscoring the family’s grief with the poignant remark, “No one wants to plan a funeral for their child.”
Amir was remembered as a sweet, kindhearted young man with a passion for video games and a desire to belong. The youngest of three siblings, he had recently moved to the area in August and begun attending Sandalwood High School. He shared a home with his mother, Latriceka Bostic, in the neighborhood where his life came to a tragic end.
Bostic described his grandson as sweet and kindhearted, a teenager who loved video games and simply wanted to fit in. Amir was the youngest of three siblings and had just moved to the Sandalwood area in August, starting the school year at Sandalwood High School. He lived in the neighborhood where he died with his mother, Latriceka Bostic.
“Amir is not a leader. He was more of a follower,” Bostic said. “Unfortunately, in this situation, being a follower led to this tragedy.”
Another portion of the surveillance video appears to show a person walking away before turning back and firing additional shots.
Amir was lying in the middle of the road for about 10 minutes before JSO officers said they arrived. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died.
“You’re talking about a 16-year-old who hadn’t even begun to live his life,” Bostic said.
JSO said an adult man was found inside a car with gunshot wounds, and another teen was shot once. Investigators also confirmed bullets hit a nearby home.
The family learned about Amir’s death through a phone call.
“My daughter received a call from one of the boys who said, ‘Your son has been killed,’” Bostic said. “That’s how we found out.”
Bostic said Amir knew the other teen and the adult involved in the shooting, but insists his grandson did not use drugs.
JSO said the investigation is ongoing.
