January 12, 2026 | By: John Kersey, John D., Parker Sheehan, Olivia Tusso, Gina Berkman, Romain Biguet

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and Flagler College. 

Derrell Baker, a person who loved “God, family and community,” was such a bright light, and always full of energy,” said his mother Pamela Howard. “To those who knew him best, he wasn’t just full of life; he radiated it, bringing joy and strength to everyone around him.”

Derrell Baker was the eldest son of five siblings and a natural protector of his younger siblings. Every morning, Derrell gave his mom a kiss goodbye before walking out the door, a small but meaningful gesture that showed his love for her.

Even with little research available on ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) at the time, Derrell excelled as a student at the Potter’s House Ministry and was enrolled in an online program that would have allowed him to graduate early. While continuing to push himself in school, he juggled his life as an athlete. Derrell played football as a defensive back. Derrell was a true leader on and off the field. He became known as “Hype.” Nicknamed by a coach at an early age, he always hyped up his team and put others first. Derrell dreamed of pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, inspired by his position as a defensive back on the football field. He had an amazing knowledge of sports history and could spew out sports knowledge from different eras. The camaraderie he shared with teammates, classmates, and his community meant everything to him.

Faith was a central part of Derrell’s life. He attended church on Wednesday evenings with his family. The family remained grounded in prayer. Seeking God’s purpose was important to the family, including Derrell. As a mother of five, Pamela made it a point for her kids to know that having their own relationship with God was important. Derrell knew the word of God and would spend time with the youth Elder after school on some days because he truly wanted to understand it. Pamela shared her thoughts on being a parent and raising your kids to do the right thing and to be respectful, even when your parents are not around.

Derrell’s mother, Pamela, has fond memories of her son, especially of their outings to IHOP. He loved to cook. He and his mom shared many special moments together at IHOP. It was obvious Derrell loved God, his family, and the many people whose lives he touched with his smile. “My baby’s laughter and his positive energy is gone too soon,” Pamela ended.

“I loved seeing the bedroom door to my sons’ room open,” Pamela said. “I could see his brothers cuddled up to him. It remains to this day one of my favorite memories of my son.”

Christmas was the family’s favorite time of year. The house of seven was full of laughter and family traditions. The children each made a stocking for themselves. After losing Derrell, new traditions were made. Everyone still made their own stockings, and one for Derrell. Pamela and her husband did not introduce the idea of Santa Claus because the family focused on the holiday’s religious importance.

Derrell’s death shook his mother to her core. Finding out about her son’s death more than 16 years ago made her question everything she thought she knew about God. “God, you decide the comings and goings, why my child?” she would pray.  “Don’t let my faith fail me.”

Pamela recalled the times when she was offered condolences on the passing of her son, she would tell them in a tone filled with hurt and anger, “Derrell did not pass away, he was taken from us.” Today, she can remember the special things about Derrell, like how affectionate, funny, and smart he was.

In honor of Derrell, the family created the DSB Foundation (Derrell’s initials), a nonprofit organization that helps the homeless and places a spotlight on suicide awareness. The DSB focuses on the local homeless community, also encouraging grief support and suicide awareness, while creating a new normalcy.

“If I could talk to my son even today, I would tell him to always choose God and that he is and shall forever be loved by his family and loved by me,” said Pamela.

Derrell’s radiant light was stolen on September 8, 2008, at 7:30 A.M., in Jacksonville, Florida. He was senselessly shot in a drive-by shooting. He was walking near Ed White High School and Old Middleburg Road. Derrell later passed away at Shands’ Hospital. Someone made a decision that would forever change Pamela and her family’s lives. This new course in her life would begin with the end of the life of her oldest son, Derrell, who was only 17 years old.

Derrell’s story is one of love, resilience, and faith, a reminder that even in heartbreak, his light continues to guide others. Derrell’s untimely death left a family and a community in shock.

“There is only resolution because there is no closure,” said Pamela. “If anyone knows anything that could help us to learn about what happened to our son, it would mean so much to us. Derrell was loved by his family and friends. We deserve to know who took our son away from us.”

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If you have any information regarding Derrell Baker’s unsolved homicide, please call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500. If you would like to remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, please call First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477.

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