Otis Anderson Jr. was shot to death and his mother was wounded in Jacksonville.
Officials said that a ex-college football star was shot to death by his father after an argument over a dog bite.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, gunfire broke out near Jacksonville’s northwest Jacksonville just before 9:30 PM Monday. Officers found two victims with gunshot wounds. One victim was an adult Black male, and one victim was an adult Black female.
Both were taken to the hospital where the man was shot in the shoulder and chest.
According to the statement of the sheriff, “All parties involved are believed to have been related, this incident is domestic in nature and there are no outstanding suspects.”
Although authorities didn’t immediately identify the victims, court documents later identified Otis Lee Anderson as the suspect.
Otis Anderson Jr. was a former star running back for Knights.
According to a booking report and arrest report, the fatal confrontation started after “Otis Lee Anderson Sr. was bitten by (the victim) girlfriend’s dog”) and “was bleeding throughout” the house.
Officials said that the suspect then turned a reclining seat before they continued their argument.
Anderson Sr. was quoted in the heavily redacted report as saying that Anderson Jr. had charged at him, but it wasn’t clear if he was claiming self defense.
According to the report, Anderson Sr. also stated multiple times that Anderson Jr. had never disowned him before the incident.
According to records, the father was arrested on suspicion of second degree murder and attempted second degree murder in the shooting death of Denise Anderson.
Anderson Sr.’s lawyer could not immediately be reached Tuesday for comment.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of Otis Anderson Jr’s passing,” according to UCF. According to UCF statements, he was loved by his teammates, fans and Knight Nation.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to all who loved Otis. He was too young and will be greatly missed.
Anderson Jr. ran for 2,182 yards in his four-year UCF experience, making him the ninth most prolific runner in school history.
Terry Mohajir (university Athletic Director) said that “my brief interaction with him [was] special — he cared deeply for UCF,” who was appointed shortly after Anderson’s Knights football season ended. “I hope that everyone who knew him, including his teammates, can find some peace.”
Anderson was not selected, but he spent the past training camp with the Los Angeles Rams before he was cut.
Josh Heupel, University of Tennessee football coach, was Anderson’s coach at UCF. He fondly remembers his former player’s toughness and positive nature off the gridiron.
Heupel posted Tuesday, “Sadened and shocked by the passing Otis Anderson Jr. He was tough, gritty, funny, and full of laughter. His positive impact on the university, our community, and our locker room was immense. He was an incredible teammate.”
Otis Anderson Jr. does not have any connection to Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson of New York Giants.
Ottis Anderson stated in a statement that Tuesday, “So deeply saddened to hear about Otis Anderson Jr.’ “I don’t know what to say. Please pray for his mother’s healing.
