JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said they're justified in shooting and killing Jerry Marrero Thursday morning after he refused to drop a knife during a confrontation.
JSO said Jerry Marrero has a criminal history of assault and kidnapping, but he also has a history of mental health issues, having been Baker Acted just a few weeks before the incident.
Jerry Marrero's aunt, Adela Marrero, said she is driving down to Jacksonville from Chicago to be with the family. She said she thinks his actions were a cry for help, and she's now mourning the death of her nephew.
"He was not confrontational," she said. "He was a good kid."
Adela Marrero said she's the one who had him Baker Acted about two months ago. Jerry Marrero, 38, was carrying a knife at the Gate gas station on Emerson Thursday morning when he told people in the store to call the police.
"An employee from the store called 911 to report that a man in the store needed help," said Chief Chris Butler. "She also said he was being aggressive."
JSO said Marrero refused to put the knife down and was shot six times by Officer Richard Santoro.
His family thinks they could have used another method to deescalate.
"They didn't have to shoot him," said Adela Marrero.
"It's a tragic incident when these things happen," said Chief Butler. "The individual was given lawful commands and really there were no other options for Officer Santoro other than to discharge his firearm to stop what the suspect was doing."
First Coast News spoke with a mental health professional, Michelle Wright. She said fighting the stigma when someone is going through a tough time is important in preventing crimes.
"We go to the dentist to get our teeth fixed," she said. "We go to the ophthalmologist to get our eyes fixed, so why not go somewhere to get your mind fixed? I mean, that's the most important part of your body."
She also encouraged people to go seek help when they notice a family member is suffering, by sitting in a therapy session and calling a crisis hotline.
Wright said she serves very few men because men don't typically ask for help.
"The real truth is that asking for help is pretty courageous," Wright said. "It takes strength to ask for help."
Marrero's family is planning a vigil for him Wednesday. They said they are seeking legal aid.
If you are struggling or know someone who is, you can call the Youth Crisis Center, even if you are an adult, at (904) 725-6662. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
For a list of Florida-based hotlines, click here.