ORLANDO, Fla. – Loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil in Parramore on Saturday as the family of 62‑year‑old B.J. Jackson called for justice in his fatal beating, which left him clinging to life for nearly a month.
Kayla Boyd, Jackson’s niece, says the family is heartbroken and wants justice.
“Whoever did it, I hope they’re caught and found because they’re a danger to their community and everyone around,” Boyd said.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man dies after brutal attack in Orlando, family seeks justice]
Family and friends spent the evening praying, singing, and lighting candles along West Anderson Street, the same location where Orlando police found Jackson brutally beaten and clinging to life the day after Christmas.
He died this week, nearly a month after that attack.
“If you can attack an elderly man to the point that he loses his life, you deserve to be locked up,” she said.
The family says the attack left Jackson with multiple broken bones, a lost eye, and other severe injuries. He remained on life support until just days before his death.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: $5K reward offered for info on man badly beaten in Orlando day after Christmas]
Loved ones describe Jackson as a kind and selfless man whose loss is deeply felt throughout the community.
“He was so loving, just a loving person, and would do anything for you,” said Cynthia Williams, Jackson’s sister-in-law. “I’m going to miss just seeing him.”
Orlando police are offering up to a $5,000 reward for information in the case.
Jackson’s sister, Lynn Jackson and have gone door to door in nearby neighborhoods to raise awareness and ask for help. “I just want justice to be served,” Lynn Jackson said.
BJ’s niece Mishee Jackson added, “We know somebody knows something. We know somebody saw something. We know.”
The family created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses that can be found here.
They say funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. We reached out to Orlando police Friday and Saturday for updates on the investigation and are still waiting to hear back.