Family of man slain while holding toddler pleads for help

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - It was raw emotion as the family of 35-year-old Antonio Mason came forward, tearfully pleading for someone to come forward after his shooting death.

When much of his whole family walked in the room Tuesday morning, you could feel their heavy hearts. His wife, Natasha Mason, was overcome with emotion while she was talking about her late husband.

"We've been together a year and four months,” Natasha Mason said as she began to cry and put her head in her hands. “We've known each other since elementary school.”

"A good person," who loved his family, Antonio's brother remembered him fondly.  "Everybody that knew him loved him,”  Antonio's Brother, Alonzo Mason said.  ”He just had an attachment to so many different people."

Antonio Mason was shot to death right inside a house on NW 4th Place in Gainesville, last Thursday
He was hanging with about 20 people, when witnesses said masked gunmen burst in the front door and started shooting.  Mason was holding his 11-month old daughter. She was shot in the arm, and survived. Another man was also hit.

Adaryll Ferguson, Antonio's oldest brother said, "I want you to look at my niece right now. I want you to look at what they did to her.”

He was holding his niece  -- Antonio’s daughter -- in his arms while speaking to reporters Tuesday. The child’s bandages on her arm were clearly visible.

“I want you to experience and share some of the pain that I'm going through right now,” he said.

The suspects got away. Antonio's mother, brother and family are desperately wondering who killed Antonio.

Adaryll pleaded, "Turn these cowards in. This is a shame."

Judy Mason, is Antonio's mother. She also pleaded for answers.  "We need justice for this,” She said “Because you wouldn’t want your family to get murdered like this"

Police would not say if they have any suspects, leads, or persons of interest. But, they are offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Officer Ben Tobias, with the Gainesville Police Department said "It could be the smallest little bit of information to you, but it could be case breaking to us"

Mason's family said they just want closure. “Please, somebody just say something." Adaryll Mason pleaded.

Anyone with information about the shooting death of Antonio Mason is asked to call the GPD's Detective Bureau at 352-393-7670, or call CrimeStoppers at 352-372-STOP.   You can also call the anonymous tip line at 352-393-7700.