Sheriffs Still Hunting for Man Who Killed Football Player on Escambia Sidewalk

Residents near North Century Boulevard in Escambia County are still waiting for answers about the death of 20-year-old Jaheem Durant. On October 29, 2023, Durant was found with multiple gunshot wounds on a sidewalk near Ramar Street. The body lay just yards from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Substation inside the Billy G. Ward Courthouse building. It has now been three years since that discovery.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on October 29, 2026, that the investigation is still active. Detectives continue to search for the person responsible for the killing. No arrests have been reported in the source material, and the case remains unsolved as of this writing.

Durant was a notable figure in local high school football before his death. He played for the Northview Chiefs, where he earned a spot on the 2nd Team Defensive End for the Florida 1A All-State football team. He also played for the Flomaton Hurricanes, helping that team secure its first state championship.

Investigators ask the public for any information that could lead to a breakthrough. People can call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP. A memorial for Durant remains on the sidewalk where he was found.

The next step in the process is public engagement. Authorities are relying on community members to recall details or identify suspects from the period surrounding the October 29, 2023, shooting. The phone numbers provided are the primary channels for submitting new leads to the active case file.