JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 21-year-old man was arrested less than 24 hours after a shooting that left a 2-year-old boy dead at a Jacksonville apartment complex, authorities said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Steven Dodson Jr., who is now in custody following an intensive manhunt.
According to investigators, the shooting occurred just before midnight on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Eureka Garden Apartments in the 1200 block of Labelle Street near Cassat Avenue. Deputies said that Dodson was involved in a dispute inside an apartment when he shot and killed the child. The boy was shot in the head and was transported to Wolfson Children’s Hospital where he died.
Dodson fled the scene before officers arrived, prompting a search involving local authorities and the U.S. Marshals. Officials said he was located and arrested within 24 hours.
Dodson faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, child endangerment, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His bond was set at $1 million.
The deceased child was identified as A’mahri Robinson.
Authorities described the case as heartbreaking as the investigation continues.