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Jacksonville mother turns pain of son's murder into an effort to stop the violence

"He was murdered on Jan. 26, 2017, two days after he celebrated his 18th birthday."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Eighteen-year-old Maurice Hobbs was on the verge of stardom; he had just released his first music video when he was gunned down in a Southside neighborhood.

"He was murdered on Jan. 26, 2017, two days after he celebrated his 18th birthday," his mother, Latasha Hobbs, said.

Two years later, Latasha Hobbs is still looking for answers in the death of her son.

He was killed on Agave Road as his mother was on her way to pick him up. Time has erased most of the evidence from the blacktop road, but now a memorial marks the spot in front of a home. 

It is well maintained and has become a reminder to the community.

"It is a living hell," she said, "I hurt every day. I fight for him every day."

Hobbs decided to turn her grief into a purpose. Part of her mission to stop the violence is visiting crime scenes, talking to families and engaging the community.

"Trying to get the community to care enough to help stop the violence," she said.

True to her mission, on Friday, Hobbs was at Majestic Plaza Apartments on Moncrief Road. She was taking videos and talking to residents. 

RELATED: Mom joins MAD DADS neighborhood walk in search of information on son's murder

The apartments are the location of a recent crime where a person was beaten, tied to a van and dragged more than two blocks.

"I engage the residents and I urge them to speak up," Hobbs said.

Her message to residents is very simple: "If you see something, say something."

One of the lingering questions in her walk of pain is why would someone take her son's life? Hobbs reached this conclusion: 

"My response to that is going to be 'Evil has no mercy,'" she said.

Hobbs said she has a great working relationship with Jacksonville Sheriff'S Office detectives. She said they have interviewed witnesses, including some who saw a black car leaving the scene.

But so far no answers.

There's a cash reward up to $3,000 for information about her son's
murder.

"I am a very broken mother, but my faith remains solid," Hobbs said. "And I'll never stop fighting for my son."

RELATED: City leaders launch task force to tackle gun violence

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