‘He took practically everything away from me’: Son of shooting victim speaks about his father
By Jessica Salinas
Published on April 17, 2026.
A late-night shooting at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida, has resulted in the death of 36-year-old Omar Padilla, who was identified as a "safety net" by his family. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to reports of gunfire and found Padilla unresponsive in the parking lot, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The arrest of 22-year old store clerk Mai-Kel Bryant has been made for murder and tampering with evidence. Padilla's son, who shares his father's name, expressed his grief over the loss and expressed his determination to seek justice for his father. The family will hold a candlelight vigil at the scene of the shooting to honor his memory.
Read Original Article