OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Thursday evening during a confrontation at a Walmart in Poinciana, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting occurred at the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway. Authorities said an off-duty deputy working at the store was alerted by a loss prevention officer about three males allegedly concealing merchandise in their clothing.
According to Sheriff Chris Blackmon, one of the suspects was armed with a gun while fleeing the store. The deputy discharged his weapon, striking the teen. The suspect was later pronounced dead. “Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out,” Blackmon said during a press briefing.
While officials have not formally released the teen’s identity, Naporsha Jones Spruill told WESH 2 that the victim was her son, Jairus, known to family and friends as “JJ.” In a statement, she described him as a bright, loving young man with a passion for football. She said he played both running back and quarterback and had earned two MVP rings. “He was full of life, full of love, and full of dreams,” she said, asking for prayers and privacy as the family grieves.
Authorities confirmed that the two additional individuals involved — one juvenile and one adult in his 20s — have been identified and accounted for. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed against them.
The investigation remains ongoing.
