25 Years After Homicide of Jacksonville Football Star

Memorial at Jacksonville University for Ricardo Tilman Jr.

News Summary

The family of Jacksonville University football star Ricardo Tilman Jr. continues to seek justice 25 years after his tragic death due to a stabbing. Tilman, known as ‘Rico,’ was an integral part of the JU football team. Despite an initial recovery, he succumbed to a staph infection, leading to his death being classified as a homicide. The family recalls the emotional toll of his passing and seeks community assistance in finding closure. Jacksonville University honors his legacy with memorial initiatives, while law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward.

Jacksonville – A quarter-century after the tragic death of Ricardo Tilman Jr., the family of the Jacksonville University football star continues to seek justice and answers surrounding his homicide. Tilman, who was affectionately known as “Rico,” made history in 1998 by scoring the first touchdown for JU’s inaugural football team and quickly became a respected figure among teammates and peers.

On March 19, 2000, Tilman, alongside his teammates, visited Jazzco, a nightclub located in Arlington. Talmadge Ford Junior, a fellow player who also worked as a security guard at the club, was present that evening. A minor altercation among some patrons was resolved amicably, but a larger confrontation ensued in the parking lot as the club was closing, resulting in Tilman being stabbed in an effort to protect his friends.

Despite being transported to Shands Hospital and initially appearing to recover, Tilman developed a serious staph infection related to his injury. He succumbed to complications on April 10, 2000, leading to authorities classifying his death as a homicide.

The initial response at the scene was overshadowed by miscommunication, which contributed to law enforcement not recognizing the incident as a life-threatening situation. This oversight hampered the investigation, as officers did not preserve the crime scene or gather witness statements that could have identified those involved in the altercation. Although a sketch of a potential suspect was created, the assailant’s identity remains unknown to this day.

For 25 years, Tilman’s family has grappled with the emotional toll from his sudden passing and the ensuing lack of information regarding the case. They describe the ongoing search for justice as an enduring source of pain. Jacksonville University has taken steps to honor Tilman’s legacy by retiring his jersey and establishing the Rico Tilman Award, which recognizes students exemplifying high morals and character.

However, changes within the university administration over the years have led to the loss and misplacement of Tilman’s memorial items. Dr. Donnie Horner, the current athletic director, has recognized the importance of preserving Tilman’s memory and has made it a priority to reaffirm support for his legacy. In a recent celebration, the university marked the retirement of Tilman’s No. 8 jersey during halftime at a home game, presenting a framed jersey to his family.

Detective Travis Oliver from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit has been actively seeking further information about the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. He urges community members to step forward with any information, however minor it may seem. The Tilman family remains steadfast in their quest for closure, voicing their emotional struggle following the disruption of a promising career and life.

In their pursuit of justice, the family is encouraging anyone with knowledge about the incident to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477). The acknowledgment and remembrance of Ricardo Tilman Jr. continue to resonate within the Jacksonville community, highlighting the significance of justice and closure for a life cut tragically short.