BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Juveniles arrested in deaths of 3 Florida teens

  • Three teens were killed last week in Ocklawaha, Florida
  • Two teen suspects, have been arrested and a third is sought
  • The victims and suspects belonged to the same gang, police say

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

maylen

https://digital-stage.newsnationnow.com/

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241115200405

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118165728

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118184948

(NewsNation) — Florida police have arrested two juveniles and are looking for a third after three teenagers were killed last week in the small town of Ocklawaha.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods confirmed the arrests at a press conference on Friday. Police believe all six individuals were in the car at some point before the suspects turned on the victims. Both the suspects and victims were part of a gang that committed robberies, according to police.

The three suspects are: Robert Le’Andrew Robinson, 17; Christopher De’l Atkins, 12; and Tahj Brewton, 16. Robinson and De’l Atkins have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, while Brewton is still at large.

“We are shocked that the murderers were juveniles as well,” Woods said.

The first victim was 16-year-old Layla Silvernail, who was found shot near a dumpster. Her partially submerged car was found near her body with the third victim found in the trunk. Police said evidence from her cellphone indicates she was there of her own free will.

The second victim, a 17-year-old boy, was found on the side of the road, dead from a gunshot. Police have not released the names of the second and third victims, though family members told local station WCJB that the third victim was 16-year-old Camille Quarles.

Initially, some speculated that the deaths were the work of a serial killer, but investigators ruled out that possibility and now say the deaths are gang-related.

Although the three suspects fled the scene, investigators said they left ample evidence behind.

Police confirmed all six knew each other, but have no specific evidence that a rivalry caused the deaths. Woods also dismissed the idea that stricter gun laws may have prevented the incident.

“We cannot blame the gun,” Woods said. “It was these individuals who committed the crime.”

Woods blamed society for failing the teens, and said schools need to stop minimizing the actions of their students.

“Last night, I had to stare into the eyes of two mothers. It was not their fault. I saw two mothers who were willing to give their sons everything,” Woods said.

Woods said the probable cause affidavit will be released in a short time, and the teens are expected to be tried as adults.

Anyone with information on Brewton’s whereabouts is urged to come forward.

Crime

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241119133138

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Fair

la

56°F Fair Feels like 56°
Wind
3 mph NE
Humidity
68%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
46°F A few passing clouds. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
2 mph NNE
Precip
2%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous