Father of Former UCF Running Back Charged with Murdering his Son.
Amy Dash
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The father of former UCF running back Otis Anderson Jr. has been charged with his murder.
Anderson Jr. was shot and killed at his parents’ house on Monday night in Jacksonville, Florida.
Anderson Jr.’s mother told police that on Monday evening, the father and son got into a heated argument that she was also involved in. She said her husband, Otis Lee Anderson Sr., was allegedly bitten by their son’s girlfriend’s dog. She told police Anderson Sr. was extremely upset and when Anderson Jr. came downstairs to see what happened, the two began to argue.
Anderson Jr. was told to go upstairs and did but allegedly returned downstairs when his father flipped a recliner over while arguing with his mother.
When Anderson Jr. went back downstairs, police say he argued again with his father and the two almost began to physically fight, according to his mother. She said they separated, and the former football player’s father allegedly went to the garage but returned to the kitchen shortly after where Anderson Jr. was located. Anderson Jr. was shot in the chest at least once.
The young man was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead shortly after. His mother, Denise, was hospitalized with multiple graze wounds and released.
Anderson Sr. was charged with first-degree murder of his son and attempted first-degree murder of his wife and is being held without bond.
“We have now confirmed and are devastated to hear of the passing of Otis Anderson Jr.,” UCF Athletics wrote in a statement. “He was revered by his teammates, our fans, and everyone within Knight Nation. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who loved Otis. He was taken too soon and will truly be missed.”
Anderson Jr.’s former teammates and coaches expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic death of the college football standout.
“I’ll never forget that million dollar smile Juice,” former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton wrote on Twitter. “Heartbroken is an understatement. I’ll see you again one day lil bro.”
Anderson Jr. finished his college career with UCF with 2,182 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He had 1,025 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
After leaving UCF, Anderson Jr. was a member of the Los Angeles Rams for a short stint this season. He went undrafted in the 2021 Draft and spent training camp with the NFL team but was cut from the practice squad in September.
“Rest in heaven Otis,” Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey wrote on Twitter. “We gotta do better on this earth smh. Big prayers up.”
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