13-Year-Old Emony Nicole Jackson Shot and Killed on Christmas Day in Pine Hills, Florida; 15-Year-Old Charged With Manslaughter Claims Shooting Was Accidental

The family of Emony Nicole Jackson, a 13-year-old girl who was fatally shot on Christmas Day in Pine Hills, Florida, is demanding accountability after a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with her death and told deputies the shooting was an accident.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on Okada Court on the evening of Thursday, December 25, where they found Jackson suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.

Authorities said a 15-year-old boy approached investigators at the scene and admitted he was responsible for the shooting, claiming it was unintentional. Due to his age, his name has not been released. He was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter.

Family members say they are still struggling to understand how the tragedy occurred but insist that justice must be served.

“He’s a child, but at the end of the day, his family will still get to see him,” said Tramaine Henderson, Jackson’s cousin. “My family won’t get to see Emony anymore.”

Loved ones described Emony as a bright, resilient young girl with big dreams. She had already endured significant loss in her life, having lost her mother and younger sister in a car crash in 2017.

“She went through a lot, but she made the best of what she was given,” Henderson said. “She had goals.”

One of those goals, according to family and mentors, was joining her future high school’s cheerleading team. Chrissy Boyce, a mentor with Elevate Orlando, said Jackson was excited about her future and determined to succeed.

“When I found out, I screamed and cried,” Boyce said. “She had so much ahead of her.”

While investigators continue working to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting, Jackson’s family says the case highlights a broader issue surrounding youth access to firearms.

“At 15, you should not have a gun,” Henderson said. “There needs to be accountability.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details have been released by authorities at this time.