September 15, 2025 | By: Emma Pochel

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class.

Demetres Hyman loved the outdoors, especially when surrounded by friends. “He was super outgoing; everybody he associated with was outgoing,” recalled his mother, Gwendolyn Hyman. To his family, Demetres was a natural leader, not a follower—someone others admired.

Tragically, Demetres’ time with his friends and loved ones was cut short over a decade ago. On June 11, 2012, at just 27 years old, Demetres was shot and killed outside his brother’s house on Jessie Street in Jacksonville, Florida. He had been on his way to visit his brother. His murder remains unsolved.

Known affectionately as “Meatball,” Demetres grew up in Jacksonville as the youngest sibling. With his sisters already out of the house during most of his childhood, their time together was cherished—and always filled with laughter. “He was comical, always joking around,” remembered his sister, Catrina St. Rose. “We were always laughing; there was always something funny.” Along with his humor came his beautiful, unforgettable smile.

One of Demetres’ biggest passions was basketball. “Basketball was his life,” said his mother. He played through middle school and spent summers competing in local summer leagues. In high school, it became more of a weekend and after-school joy. He loved going to the Boys and Girls Club, where he played regularly and made fast friends—basketball was his way to connect.

Demetres was also bright—an A/B student throughout high school. After graduation, he pursued electrical work, briefly working with an electrical company.

Just a day before his death, Demetres visited Tonya’s home to take his nephew to the YMCA to play basketball. When they returned, Demetres wanted to come inside to play video games. His nephew, busy with homework, asked him to come back another time. “The next day, he was gone,” said Tonya, heartbroken.

On that Monday evening, Demetres was chased into his brother’s backyard and shot. His brother, hearing the gunfire, ran outside and found Demetres lifeless. “I know that it has to be devastating to find your loved one like that,” said Tonya. The police report noted the suspect fleeing, possibly in a silver car—but no further details have been released publicly.

Word of Demetres’ death spread quickly. His brother called their mother, and the rest of the family soon learned of the tragedy. In the aftermath, Gwendolyn and her two daughters leaned on one another for strength and support. “You have to depend and lean on one another for strength, for help,” she said. For Tonya, the grief carried a heavy weight. “I don’t even remember ever telling him I loved him,” she reflected.

In the face of unimaginable loss, Gwendolyn holds onto faith. “Forgiveness,” she said. “Forgive the ones that took his life, because even if I don’t forgive them, God forgives everybody.”

Demetres left behind a young daughter, with whom he shared custody. The family remains close to her.

Every year on the anniversary of his death, Demetres’ family and friends gather to release blue balloons at the spot where he died, as blue was his favorite color. It’s their way of honoring his memory, celebrating his life, and refusing to let his story be defined by tragedy alone.

Demetres brought light and joy to everyone around him. He had a deep bond with his family and a heart that touched many. By sharing his story, his legacy lives on, and his case stays alive.

In his memory, the family established a nonprofit organization: Heals Network Inc. Its mission is to advocate for families impacted by gun violence, offering healing, hope, and justice. The organization also works to raise awareness about the realities of gun violence and aims to be a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of light for the brokenhearted.

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Anyone with information concerning Demetres Hymans’ unsolved homicide is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 255-2626. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477.

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