Cantonment Residents Call For End To Violence, Surrender Of Murder Suspect

July 28, 2016

Dozens gathered in Cantonment Wednesday evening to remember a man they say was a loving father, son and friend.

Alphonso Leon Griffin, 29, was honored during a candlelight vigil in the Sheppard Street yard where he was found suffering from a gunshot wound Saturday night. He later passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital.

“We don’t want this to happen again in our neighborhood under no circumstances,” a pastor told the crowd.

“No hatred,” his mother, Capitola Griffin said. “No animosity like you’re getting back and retaliation. I don’t want that because ain’t nothing going to bring my son back. As a mother my heart aches but I know joy is going to come in the morning.”

The family said they want justice, and they are asking 19-year old Marquis Bryant, the suspected gunman, to turn himself into authorities.

Bryant was captured by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office just five days before the shooting, but not placed under arrest.

On Sunday, July 17, Bryant allegedly stole a classic Ford Mustang. On Monday, July 18, deputies spotted Bryant in the stolen 1965 Mustang at 3:47 p.m. near Hicks Street and Muscogee Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. When a deputy attempted a traffic stop, Bryant refused.

The deputy followed the vehicle, not exceeding the speed limit. Bryant opened the driver’s side door while the vehicle was still in motion. He then jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot.

The Sheriff’s Office said Bryant was located by a K-9 a short time later.

Sgt. Andrew Hobbs, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said deputies suspected that Bryant ingested some type of narcotics before being captured. He was transported to a local hospital for medical care. Hobbs declined to say which day Bryant was released from the hospital, citing medical privacy laws.

Hobbs said deputies submitted a grand theft auto warrant for judicial review. At the time of the murder, the warrant had not yet been signed by a judge.

Bryant now has an outstanding homicide warrant. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.

Vigil images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Cantonment Residents Call For End To Violence, Surrender Of Murder Suspect”

  1. 968 on July 28th, 2016 10:02 pm

    Praying for Griffin family

  2. Finna Clay on July 28th, 2016 3:19 pm

    Prayers are with family and friends of brother Griffin. Let God continue to guide you and keep you

  3. dman on July 28th, 2016 11:27 am

    Sending prayers for this family in their time of grief. And the young man that did this is obviously a very troubled youth. Buddy, it’s better you turn yourself in now and face the music because those who live by the sword, die by the sword. Turn your life around now while you still have time!

  4. john on July 28th, 2016 11:24 am

    Praying the family.

  5. Lifendason on July 28th, 2016 9:28 am

    Praying for the family that they will find comfort and peace in Jesus. Also praying for this young man to turn himself in before anything else happens.

    Lord, help our streets, help our youth and help our nation..help us ALL, in Jesus name, AMEN!

  6. A MOTHERS LOVE on July 28th, 2016 8:45 am

    Mrs Griffin I pray that this nightmare ends for you soon but I know that the Love for your son and that he also knows his memories will live on though you till y’all meet again. You are a woman of GOD and seeing this shows that. I will be praying for you and you family in GOD’s name AMEN.

  7. Amy B. on July 28th, 2016 7:45 am

    Cap, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and your family.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News