FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – For the first time since the tragic death of 9-year-old Antavious “Tay Tay” Scott, his mother is speaking out.
Through her grief, Shanika Williams says her son meant everything to her, and believes he would still be alive today if the place they lived had better security.
The family gathered recently, wearing shirts emblazoned with Tay Tay’s image — a child full of life, taken far too soon.
Authorities said Scott was shot and killed in November 2024 while playing football outside his home with siblings and friends. A stray bullet struck him in what they say was a senseless act of violence.
Florida City police arrested 19-year-old Montreal Jackson in connection with the shooting, following an outpouring of community support and tips. But Scott’s family says the real blame also lies with the Southpoint Crossing apartment complex, located near the 890 block of West Lucy Street, where the shooting occurred.
They’ve now filed a negligent security lawsuit, claiming the complex failed to provide adequate safety measures that could have prevented the tragedy.
“Antavious meant the world to me, he was my everything,” Williams said. My baby loved to play football he loved to play video games his favorite thing was to go to the store.
When asked if she believed her grandson would still be alive had there been better security, Tay Tay’s grandmother, Teretha Williams, said, “If there would’ve been security like there should have been, my grandson would have been alive today.”
“Talk to the Florida City police. We need extra patrols. Recommend a security company that we can have patrolling,” said Michael Haggard, an attorney who represents the Scott family.
Local 10 has reached out to Southpoint Crossing for comment.
As for Jackson, he remains behind bars at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Jail records show he is facing one count of second-degree murder.