March 4, 2024 | By: Giana Mercado

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

Anthony Graham III, 21, always made sure to celebrate the birthday of his grandmother, Patricia Robinson. “He called me and said ‘Ma, what are we going to do for your birthday?’” said Patricia, reminiscing about her birthday three years ago. That was the last birthday Anthony would celebrate with his grandmother.

September 27, 2020, was a normal Sunday afternoon when Monique Jones, Anthony’s mother, was driving home from her nursing job with her young daughter in the car. Monique received the most devastating news of her life; she received a call that Anthony had been shot just one exit away from her location. Anthony and his half-brother were parked in the back of a Checkers restaurant, off Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida when 10 rounds were fired into their car.

Both Anthony and his brother were shot, Anthony later died at UF Health. His half-brother was in critical condition and survived. “It was the worst day of my life,” said Monique.

Anthony grew up in Jacksonville surrounded by his family, including his younger sister, Amani Jones. Anthony was very protective of Amani, they talked daily on Facetime. Every Sunday, as a family they attended United Missionary Baptist Church where their grandfather is the Pastor.

Monique had a very close relationship with her son, Anthony. They often watched and attended college football games together. Their favorite team to root for on Saturday’s was the Florida Gators. One of Monique’s favorite memories of her children together was at Amani’s 10^th birthday party when they set off fireworks together.

Patricia, Anthony’s Grandma, said “Anthony was always happy, and his smile made me feel amazing, Anthony always dressed well and loved shoes and clothes”. He enjoyed swimming, so his birthday parties often involved water or the pool.

A goal of Anthony’s was to be an accountant. He was smart in school and good with numbers and money. One of his jobs growing up was working with his grandma, at “The Station Restaurant” at their church. Anthony helped take orders, and learned to cook Seafood Dressing, that he made for Thanksgiving dinners. He also spent time working at the “Soul Food Express” with his other Grandmother and learned to make his favorite dish, Steak.

No arrests have been made in Anthony’s case. Monique set up a $5,000 reward for information about her son’s murder, but it hasn’t led to any credible information.  Monique says she wishes the police would do more to solve Anthony’s case. She also believes the media did not provide enough information or coverage to the public when the shooting occurred.

When the news broke about the shooting, they reported the victim as a man in his early 20’s. Anthony’s name was not mentioned in the media until six months after the shooting on March 26, 2021. Monique was interviewed and said, “If you’ve never lost a child, no one would understand the pain and hurt that we feel as a family and as a mother.” Monique says she wishes she knew Anthony’s last words.

Amani, his younger sister wrote a poem about her brother’s passing, which she read on air during the interview.

She read: I miss you; I cry when you passed away. I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn’t make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me, he only takes the best.

The family hopes to one day find out who killed Anthony and took his smile away from them.

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Anyone with any information about Anthony’s case is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904.630.0500. To remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward, contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1.866.845.TIPS (8477).

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