Family Holds Vigil for Teen Victim of Marion County Gas Station Shooting
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Grief and heartbreak filled the air as family and friends gathered at the Petro Stopping Center, just off Highway 318 near I-75, to honor the life of Nosiah Santos, a 17-year-old who was tragically shot and killed following a fight at the gas pumps.
On Sunday, loved ones returned to the scene of the fatal shooting to release balloons in Nosiah’s memory, creating a moment of reflection and unity amid profound loss. The gathering served as both a vigil and a call for justice, as those closest to Santos struggle to comprehend the violence that ended his young life.
“This isn’t supposed to happen to kids,” said a family member at the vigil. “He had his whole future ahead of him.”
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred after a physical altercation broke out at the gas station. Santos was shot during the incident and later died from his injuries. Authorities have not yet made any arrests but confirmed they have identified a person of interest in Jacksonville. That individual’s connection to the case is still under investigation.
Detectives continue to work tirelessly to piece together what led to the confrontation and ultimate shooting. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, gathering witness statements, and pursuing leads to bring clarity and accountability to the case.
In the meantime, the Santos family is left grappling with an unimaginable loss. Nosiah was remembered as a bright, kind-hearted teen with dreams and promise—gone too soon.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. The family is pleading with the community to come forward with any details that may help bring justice for Nosiah.
As the sun set over the Petro Stopping Center, the sky filled with balloons, a silent but powerful tribute to a young life cut short—and a community’s unwavering hope for answers.
No responses yet