Tragedy Strikes Memorial: Four Wounded in Shooting at Gathering for Late Rapper Lil Poppa in Jacksonville
By Grok News Desk Jacksonville, February 24, 2026 – A somber memorial gathering turned chaotic early Sunday morning when gunfire erupted on Jacksonville’s East Side, wounding four people and leaving the community reeling. The incident occurred at the intersection of A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and Jessie Street, where dozens had assembled to honor local rapper Lil Poppa, who tragically died by suicide just days earlier in Atlanta.
Jacksonville Police Department (JPD) responded to reports of shots fired shortly after midnight on February 22. Investigators determined that an unidentified suspect opened fire, discharging between 12 and 15 rounds into the crowd. The victims—two men aged 37 and 43, and two women aged 34 and 39—suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One woman, 34, was found at the scene and transported by emergency services to a local hospital. The other three victims drove themselves for medical treatment.
billboard.com
Lil Poppa Dead: Jacksonville Rapper Was 25
Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, the 25-year-old Jacksonville native and CMG signee whose life was being remembered at the gathering.
The gathering was a grassroots tribute to Lil Poppa, real name Janarious Mykel Wheeler, a rising talent signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG). The 25-year-old rapper passed away on February 18 in Hapeville, Georgia, following a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 85. According to authorities, after the accident, Poppa spoke with his manager in a hotel parking lot, produced a firearm, and inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a suicide.
the-sun.com
Lil Poppa dies of ‘gunshot wound to head’ aged 25 as tributes pour in for young rapper
The late rapper Lil Poppa performing onstage, showcasing the energy that made him a beloved figure in Jacksonville’s music scene.
No motive has been released for the shooting, and police have not identified or described a suspect. The investigation remains active, with detectives canvassing the area for witnesses, surveillance footage, and ballistic evidence. Community members described the event as peaceful until the sudden barrage of gunfire shattered the night. “It was supposed to be about remembering him and supporting each other,” one attendee told local media. “Now it’s another tragedy in our city.”
This incident adds to a weekend of gun violence in Duval County, where at least 10 people were wounded across three separate shootings, including a teen gathering and another in Mandarin. Authorities have made arrests in one case but continue searching for suspects in the others, including the Lil Poppa memorial shooting.
jacksonville.com
Jacksonville police: Officer kills suicidal man armed with knife
Jacksonville Police officers secure a crime scene in a typical response to overnight shootings in the city, similar to the scene at the memorial.
Lil Poppa, a Jacksonville native, rose to prominence with raw, introspective tracks reflecting street life, mental health struggles, and resilience. His music resonated deeply in the community, drawing fans from across Florida and beyond. Tributes poured in following his death, with many expressing shock at the suicide ruling and calling for greater awareness around mental health in hip-hop.
The shooting has reignited conversations about gun violence in Jacksonville, a city that has faced persistent challenges with firearm-related incidents. Community leaders and activists urged calm while demanding accountability and support for grieving families. Police encouraged anyone with information to contact JPD or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
As the investigation unfolds, the victims continue to recover, and the East Side mourns not only Lil Poppa but also the violence that disrupted what should have been a moment of healing and remembrance. No arrests have been made, but authorities vow to pursue leads relentlessly.
