Layla Silvernail: Florida teen shot in suspected triple murder to be taken off life support
OCKLAWAHA, FLORIDA: Layla Silvernail, a 16-year-old Florida teenager who was shot in a suspected triple murder, will be taken off life support after being declared brain dead, according to an update on a fundraising campaign. She was found in a dumpster along Southeast 183rd Avenue Road in the area of Forest Lakes Park, around 10.52pm on Thursday, March 30.
Silvernail was immediately rushed to a hospital to be treated for a gunshot wound to the head. Her family has since been informed that she was brain dead and would be taken off life support, stated a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for her treatment and memorial service. The teenager's loved ones also decided to donate her organs "so she can help others in the wake of this tragedy." It was also revealed that she was "an amazing athlete" who played "softball all her life in Recreation and Travelball."
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TRIPLE MURDER suspected after Florida teens shot dead within miles of each other on same night
‘She has been taken from us too soon’
"She loved the game of softball, was a great pitcher, and could play any position her team needed. She uplifted all of her teammates! She has been taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed," the fundraising page stated. Jenna Schmitt, one of Silvernail's friends, said that she was left shunned when she heard about her friend's death. “I kind of just broke down instantly when I heard what happened, but when I found out she was still alive, it kind of gave me hope. I’ve known Layla since I was two years old basically, maybe younger,” she told WCJB.
Who are the other victims of the suspected triple murder?
Florida police found Silvernail in an unconscious state before discovering an unnamed 17-year-old boy lying dead on the side of Southeast 94th Street and 188th Court around 7.55am on Friday, March 31. Meanwhile, a third victim, another 16-year-old girl, was found shot dead inside Silvernail's car, which was partially submerged in a lake, on Saturday, April 1, according to DailyMail. Sheriff Billy Woods said that his team was investigating how the three teenagers' deaths were connected. "My Major Crimes Detectives are working 24/7 to continue their murder investigation and diligently track down every possible lead," Woods said in a Facebook video message.
"We are devastated by the families of these three teenagers, and we are dedicated to bringing whoever is responsible for these atrocious acts to justice," the sheriff continued. He also issued a warning against heeding rumors about a fourth victim, which were untrue. "I know this is a very close community and many of you are very concerned. Someone out there knows something. We want you to have truthful information and not rumors. Limited information is available right now because this case is active," he said.
