A tragic shooting in Brandon has left a family grieving after a 30-year-old father was killed Monday evening following a fight at a local apartment complex. Authorities say the incident occurred at a residential complex off Lake Chapman Drive, where deputies responded to reports of gunfire shortly before 6 p.m.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the scene and found a man suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the location. Family members later identified the victim as Travon Jackson, a father who leaves behind a young son and a grieving family.
Jackson’s loved ones say the loss has been devastating. His sister, Ryniah Whitten, described him as the backbone of their family and someone they relied on every day. She said the news of his death has left them heartbroken and struggling to accept that he is gone.
“They took my brother so quickly,” Whitten said. “He was everything to us, our backbone. We could call him for anything. We talked every single day.” Her emotional words reflect the deep pain the family is experiencing as they try to process the sudden loss of someone they loved deeply.
Jackson’s mother, Paula Whitten, said the family had spoken with him just about an hour before the shooting. She recalled receiving a call around 5 p.m. during which her son told them he felt he was in danger. The memory of that conversation now weighs heavily on the family as they mourn his death.
“I am angry. I’m hurt. I don’t think it has fully hit me yet,” she said. “My mind hasn’t fully registered that this is actually reality yet. This is my son that got taken.” Investigators say the shooting appears to have stemmed from an altercation at the apartment complex. Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all individuals involved have been identified, but no arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office as detectives work to determine exactly what led to the deadly confrontation.
