SARASOTA – Family and friends of Jabez Spann held a vigil at Fredd Akins Park. Dozens were in attendance demanding justice for the teen.
“They brought his remains back and that’s what brought me here today, to come to thank god for the closure,” said Pastor Ruby Robinson
More than 100 people showed up to the vigil of Jabez Spann at Fredd Atkins Park. According to police the teen disappeared in 2017 and his skeletal remains where located Saturday in a rural part of Manatee County.
“What bring me to the vigil tonight for Jabez is simply because I love Jabez,” said Robinson.
Robinson says she knew Jabez from church and would often talk and see him and his family outside of church.
“He loved to do the praise dance of off the sweet Jesus music, He loved to come to my house, siting at my table, eating my food, and sleeping in my bed,” said Robinson. “He loved football, he loved it, things that a normal 14 year old child would do.”
Friends and family lit candles and told stories to remember the teen. Jabez aunt, Latohya Jakes, says her family may have some closure but what they want is justice.
“Well it can’t bring closure until we have our justice, you know, until we find who did this. At least we found him that’s part of the closure but that’s not the closure we need justice,” said Jakes.
Friends read poems dedicated to Jabez, and held a moment of silence to honor his life.
“Well it means a lot to us for on having support of some of the community we really thank them for being here with us we really do,” said Jakes.
Jakes says though her nephew was brought home…the pain will always be there.
“It’s been a living hell, because you can’t take it off your mind you can’t stop thinking about it and it just hurts,” said Jakes. “It just continues to hurt.”
Jabez’ family plans on holding the funeral service Saturday, March 2nd at 1947 31st St, Sarasota beginning at noon. It will be open to the public.
