SARASTOA, Fla. — After a year and a half of hoping 14-year-old Jabez Spann would be found alive, family and friends had to say their final goodbyes to him Saturday afternoon.
"He's going to be so missed," said a friend. "He didn't deserve this."
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According to Sarasota police, Jabez was murdered. His family believes he was targeted because he witnessed a murder. Whatever the reason is, for them, it's not fair.
"He had a smile that could melt butter," said Jabez's principal Dr. Harriet Moore.
More than 100 people packed the Truvine Missionary Baptist Church for the service. There wasn't a dry eye in the place.
They said Jabez was more than just a 14-year-old boy from Sarasota. He was a son, a grandson, a cousin, a nephew and a friend full of love.
His 14-year-old friend CJ broke-down talking about how Jabez always had his back.
"Anytime somebody picked on me, he was there. I just want to say thank you."
The family said they are now going to focus on getting justice.
"The lord still sits high and looks low. He will be searching to bring this to justice," said Moore.
