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Football coach shot 10 times trying to protect children, attorney says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A football coach remains in the hospital after a drive-by shooting that killed a 13-year-old and injured an 11-year-old.

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An attorney representing the football coach, who was not identified, told WJAX that his client dove to cover the boys with him when the shots were fired.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said its deputies were called to the scene of the shooting Saturday. The coach, identified only as a 20-year-old man, was driving a red SUV with four children aged 13-15 inside, WJAX reported. Deputies told the station that the coach was driving the kids home from football tryouts.

John Phillips, the attorney representing the coach, told WJAX that his client has had several surgeries.

Prince Holland, 13, was killed in the shooting, WJAX reported. The 11-year-old who was hurt was not identified.

“This grief has emboldened us and hardened our resolve,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a news conference Monday. “To those responsible for this terrible act, know this: We will not rest, we will not tire, we will not waver.”

Phillips told WJAX that he has added $5,000 to the reward being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. Crime Stoppers is offering a $9,000 reward.

Investigators said that witnesses were able to provide a description of the suspects. At this point, detectives said they do not know if the shooting was targeted or random, according to WJAX.