Family Mourns the Loss of Murdered Teen Derek “Dibbs” Michael Pitts
The St Johns County community has come together in mourning for sixteen-year-old Derek “Dibbs” Michael Pitts, who was murdered just two days before New Year’s Day. According to News4Jax reporter, Aaron Farrar, “Pitts was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Cooper’s Hawk Apartment homes on Old St Augustine Road back on Dec 30th, 2023.” Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office notes that there was an altercation after the party, where an unknown shooter fired at least 10 shots. Pitts was shot and passed away soon after the altercation. His family is reeling from the tragedy. “You’re not supposed to be burying a 16-year-old. You’re not. They’re supposed to outlive you,” Pitts’ uncle Jeremy Greenfield said.
According to his public obituary, Derek “Dibbs” Michael Pitts “loved driving, watching football, playing baseball, playing video games, listening to music and loved playing with his dogs, Ace and Bade.” He is described by his loved ones as a loyal, hilarious, kind-hearted boy who was always there for those he loved. Pitts was a Junior at Beachside High School and would have turned 17 years old on February 1st, 2024.
Pitts’ family is begging the community to come forward with any known information. The shooter is still unidentified, and there is now a $10,000 reward for whoever comes forward with the information. Pitts’ aunt, Bernadette Howard, stated in a News4Jax interview that, “It is really hard to not have closure. Not that it’s ever going to be OK because he is not ever coming back. But not knowing who did this and knowing that that person could still be out there doing this to somebody else.” Howard also urged anyone who knows anything to step forward, remarking that, “If this was your friend or someone in your family, and you were going through this personally, I know that they would want answers as well, as well as what me and my family want.” If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact JSO by phone at 904-630-0500, by email at [email protected], or via Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
By: Chloe Migut
Credits:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZwFZZBi2AwTIRwuwkry6e3b4sOHUqBPBQoNGWmOoUlk/edit
https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Derek-Pitts/#!/Obituary
