ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) said an arrest has been made in the killing of 21-year-old Tyrone Howard, who was shot while his one-year-baby-old daughter was in the backseat.
"Once a child is involved in something like this, the concern goes up, especially with something that could have been more detrimental to that family," said Ashley Limardo, a St. Pete Police Dept. spokesperson.
WATCH: Police make arrest in case of young father shot, killed with baby in back seat
Howard's family continuously advocated for justice, and on Sept. 15, police arrested 20-year-old Jamal Black in relation to the shooting.
After speaking with his family on Saturday, Tampa Bay reporter Annette Gutierrez followed up with them over the phone, Tuesday afternoon.
"I can't say I feel good or anything but it does it give me relief that he won't be out here to hurt nobody else and that my son is getting justice," said Melissa Jackson, Howard's mom.
According to the arrest affidavit, Howard and Black had arranged a meet-up on Sept. 7 so Howard could sell Black marijuana.
Howard, the victim, confirmed via text message that he was one minute away from Black's house at 2:01 p.m., per the affidavit. Police said shortly after 2 p.m., Howard's car crashed because he had been shot. Howard’s vehicle crashed into a parked car at Robco Transmission & Auto on 3101 Emerson Ave. S., according to SPPD.
First responders determined Howard had been shot before the crash. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. His toddler was found alive in the backseat and unharmed.
Howard's family said they will wait for the judicial system to do its part. They say no one deserved to die — especially when there was a child in the backseat of a car.
"You are not to take life into your own hands no matter what the reason may be," said Jackson. "It's a heartless act to shoot somebody, and it's a soulless act to shoot them when a child is in their car, because a child is innocent."
SSPD said Black was charged with murder in the second degree and four counts of violation of felony probation.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Howard's family is asking people to join them in a gun violence prevention walk on Wednesday, September 17 from 5:30-7:30 pm. It will start at 1952 24th Street South and 13th Avenue.
And, his funeral will be on Saturday, September 20 at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church (955 20th St S Saint Petersburg, FL 33712).
His family has created a GoFundMe to help with the funeral expenses and to support his children.
"I know how important it is."
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