Crime Stoppers highlights 2007 cold case of Jacksonville man who died protecting his girlfriend

Jacksonville, Fla. – First Coast Crime Stoppers is appealing for tips in the 2007 killing of a Jacksonville man who was shot while protecting his girlfriend during a robbery.

Investigators said Barry “BJ” Brooks was killed Nov. 18, 2007, during an attempted robbery near the Mission Springs apartment complex at 5327 Tim O’Connor Road on the city’s Westside. He was walking with his girlfriend when two armed suspects approached; Brooks stepped in to protect her and was fatally shot.

“Someone knows what happened that night. Someone has information, no matter how small it may seem,” Chase Robinson, executive director of First Coast Crime Stoppers, said during the livestream. “Cases may and will grow old, but the pursuit of justice never expires.”

Detective Travis Oliver of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office cold case unit said investigators have reexamined evidence and exhausted leads but need help from the public.

“We have followed every possible lead,” Oliver said. “This is definitely a time where the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is praying that the citizens of Jacksonville will come forward and assist us in giving the family the closure they need and deserve.”

Family members who attended the conference included Brooks’ mother, Margie Brooks; his father, Barry Brooks Sr.; cousins Erica Jones, Brandy Larry and Tylynn Larry; and adopted aunt Lakeisha McCray. They described the pain of nearly 20 years without answers.

“I’m shattered, but I’m not broken,” Margie Brooks said.

She described her son as a mentor and lifeguard who “always looked out for his cousins” and was beginning his life when it was taken.

Barry Brooks Sr. urged anyone with information to speak up.

“You robbed me of that,” he said, referring to the chance to guide his son into adulthood.

Tylynn Larry recalled joyful memories and said he always took care of her.

“He was such a force,” she said. “There was nothing my cousin couldn’t do.”

McCray coached BJ on a swim team and implored residents to come forward.

First Coast Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the 24/7 hotline at 866-845-TIPS, dialing **TIPS on a mobile phone, using the P3 Tips app available from app stores, or visiting crimestoppers.com. Robinson emphasized that tipsters’ identities will remain anonymous.

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