Sam Amico
Two juveniles have been arrested and a third is being sought in a triple murder last week in Ocala, Florida, police said.
Videos by Rare
One of the juveniles arrested is 12-years-old. Another suspected, 17, was taken into custody, and the search continues for a third suspect, 16, who remains at large.
All three are being charged with the shooting deaths of three victims — a girl, 16, and two boys, each 17.
The suspects were identified as Robert Robinson, 17, and Christopher Atkins, 12, per Orlando’s News 6. The third at large is Tahj Brewton, 16.
Youths Aged 12, 16, and 17 Charged with Triple Murder
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods announced the arrests during what USA Today described as an emotional press conference.
Woods didn’t go into great detail, other than to say robbery was the motive for the killings, and that all six of those involved were together at the time. He added that all six had connections to local gangs.
“They took a life without thought. They deserve the full extent of the law,” Woods said at the press conference, urging the community to help in the search of the third suspect.
“I’m talking to the viewers. You- some of you know him (Brewton), you know where he is and you need to turn him in. Now, I will get him, I will find him and justice will be completed.”
The two suspects who were apprehended made incriminating comments about their involvement, Woods added.
“Although we had out there that it was gang-related, we have nothing specific to say that it was any rivalry,” Woods said. ”…However, each and every one of them in some shape or form is associated with a gang. Basically, simple terms, there is no honor among thieves, and at some point these three individuals turned on our three victims and murdered them.”
