September 13, 2025

Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Teen’s Murder in Jacksonville

News Summary

Colton Moore, 21, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the second-degree murder of 16-year-old Derek Pitts, who was shot during a pool party altercation. The incident occurred at Coopers Hawk Apartments, leading to Pitts’s tragic death a short time later. Moore, who fled the scene, has been given 580 days of credit for time served and faces five years of probation after his prison term. The case has highlighted concerns over rising gun violence among youth in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville – Colton Moore, 21, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the second-degree murder of 16-year-old Derek “Dibbs” Pitts. The sentencing took place in Duval County court following Moore’s guilty plea to the charge. Additionally, he will serve five years of probation after his prison term, and the court granted him 580 days of credit for time served prior to sentencing.

The tragic incident that resulted in Pitts’s death occurred on December 29, 2023, at around 11:40 p.m. at the Coopers Hawk Apartments located on Old St. Augustine Road. According to law enforcement, officers arrived at the scene to find Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound. He was subsequently transported by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

At the time of the incident, Pitts was attending a pool party with friends. Reports indicate that an argument broke out between two groups at the gathering, which escalated into violence. During the altercation, Moore produced a firearm and shot Pitts before fleeing the scene on foot. Witnesses present at the party were detained and interviewed by law enforcement as part of the investigation.

Pitts, affectionately known as “Dibbs” to family and friends, was expected to celebrate his 18th birthday on February 1, 2025. His family, devastated by the loss, had offered a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to an arrest in his murder case.

This sentencing marks a critical development in a case that has drawn significant attention from the community due to the young age of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Jacksonville has experienced a concerning trend in gun violence, particularly among youth, raising alarm and prompting discussions about the need for increased safety measures and community programs.

Moore’s lengthy sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime and serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of gun violence on families and communities. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, local advocates continue to call for solutions aimed at preventing further tragedies related to youth violence.

The legal proceedings surrounding this case reflect the complexities and challenges faced by the judicial system in addressing violent crimes. With Moore now facing a lengthy prison term, it raises questions about rehabilitation and how individuals involved in violent incidents can be offered avenues for change, particularly those who commit crimes at a young age.

As the family of Derek Pitts seeks closure, the Jacksonville community remains vigilant in efforts to address the issues of gun violence and its effects on youth. Local organizations and leaders are encouraged to come together to promote programs that facilitate dialogue and provide support for young individuals, fostering a safer environment for future generations.

The case is a tragic reminder of the urgency with which communities must respond to incidents of violence and the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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