Kendal Freeman Obituary, Death – The Jacksonville Police Department has released the identities of the three individuals who were shot during a weekend incident at the Jacksonville Mall. One of the victims has been identified as 19-year-old Kendal Freeman, a resident of Havelock. The other two victims are minors, and due to their age, authorities have chosen not to disclose their names or further personal details.
The shooting occurred on Saturday evening, shortly after 8:00 p.m. According to an earlier press release, the suspect involved in the attack was wearing a ski mask and approached the group before opening fire. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been confirmed, but investigators have stated that they do not believe the attack was random. They are treating it as a targeted and isolated event.
On Monday, officers continued their investigation at the scene. Several additional bullet shell casings were recovered from the parking lot near the Belk department store within the mall complex. However, police have not confirmed whether these casings are directly linked to the shooting that took place on Saturday night. The discovery is being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Fortunately, none of the injuries sustained by the three victims are considered life-threatening. All three individuals were taken to medical facilities for treatment, and their current conditions have not been made public. Authorities continue to search for the suspect, who fled the scene after the shooting and remains at large.
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. Investigators are likely reviewing surveillance footage from the mall and nearby businesses and are conducting interviews with witnesses to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate danger to shoppers or residents, emphasizing that this was an isolated incident. The Jacksonville Mall, which had been a busy shopping location during the weekend, resumed normal operations following the initial police response.
As the investigation progresses, the Jacksonville Police Department plans to release further updates. They are working to determine the identity of the masked suspect and the events that led to the gunfire in the parking lot. Meanwhile, community members and local authorities are hoping for a swift resolution to the case.
The police continue to encourage anyone with relevant information to reach out directly to the department or to use anonymous reporting lines. Updates on the case will be shared as new details become available and as authorities move closer to identifying and apprehending the person responsible for the shooting.
