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BACKGROUND:
Investigators say an arrest is "imminent" in the mysterious murders of three Florida teenagers but they are continuing to ask the public for help.
Deputies in Marion County say all three victims, who were shot to death, were found in three different locations over the span of three days.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the first victim was found on Thursday, March 30 in the area of Forest Lakes Park. Deputies say 16-year-old Layla Silvernail was found on the side of the road after being shot. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition where she later died
The following morning, a 17-year-old was also found on the side of a road, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
The third victim was found Saturday, April 1, after deputies were called to Malauka Loop. That’s where they found Silvernail’s car partially submerged at the edge of a nearby body of water. Upon searching the car, a 16-year-old was found dead inside.
Right now, investigators say they believe the victims were friends, who were together just before they were shot. The identities of the second and third victims have not been released.
Authorities say the killings could be part of gang activity.
“The other thing I'll hit on real quickly is that the detectives also have information that it's possibly tied to what we classify as hybrid gangs,” Sheriff Billy Woods said.
According to the Department of Justice, a hybrid gang is a group of people who are closely associated but are not actually gang affiliated. It’s not yet clear what happened to the victims or how they may have been connected to the perpetrator(s).
The sheriff's office says investigators have several leads and says they hopefully will be making an arrest soon.
Woods describes the community as “rural” and “tight-knit.”
“Detectives are working around the clock continuing their homicide investigation and diligently following up on every potential lead,” Woods said. “We are devastated for the families of these three teens, and we are dedicated to bringing whoever is responsible for these heinous acts to justice.”
The Sheriff’s Office has asked that anyone with information call Detective Ryan Stith at (352) 368-3542 or contact Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-7867 and reference 23-22 in the tip.
It’s starting to look like the next Civil War is going to be black against white. People may want to start laughing whenever a race card is played.
Regarding parental responsibility, he said: "I told my son, the fricken barber has permission to beat your ass" .
I love this guy!
Ping....................
More evidence of just how dangerous “white supremacy” is!
Sickening. Isn’t this area very close to The Villages?
Are the oldsters in there ready for something to do in their retirement?
Like maybe get into building a civilian defense organization. Not sure how that would work, but it might be like a worthwhile version of an HOA?
Sheriff is obviously running for higher political office, that was cringey and tacky. Making it all about himself and putting on a show with his emotions and politics
The Obama/Biden Diversity and Inclusion Program for Youth Social Clubs is working out as planned.
The Revolution is being televised.
Newsome/Abrams 2024!
As shown here, the thugs will kill you as soon as you are no longer an asset or once you have witnessed enough to put them away.
The 12-year old who was allegedly part of the murder crew will likely do no time and will come out of a juvenile facility at the age of 18 ready to embark on a long career of criminality with more victims.