TRIPLE MURDER suspected after Florida teens shot dead within miles of each other on same night
OCKLAWAHA, FLORIDA: Florida police are suspecting a triple murder occurrence at Ocklawaha, 60 miles northwest of Orlando, after two 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy were found dead in the region. Around 10:52 pm on Thursday, March 31, deputies found one of the girls, Layla Silvernail, 16, in a dumpster along Southeast 183rd Avenue Road in the area of Forest Lakes Park. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the head.
It has been reported that Layla is currently on life support. However, brain death has already taken place.
In a similar incident, three women in Queens were found stabbed to death in Springfield Garden. According to police, one of them had severe head damage, and two were stabbed in the neck. They were pronounced dead on site. A knife was left behind on the scene and the NYPD is seeking a fugitive family member who shared their Queens home.
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Who are the other victims?
In Ocklawaha, the second victim is an unnamed 17-year-old boy, who was found shot dead just a mile away from where Layla was found, as per Daily Mail. Meanwhile, the third victim was another 16-year-old girl, who was shot dead and kept inside Layla's car that was found submerged in a lake. Jenna Schmitt, one of Layla's friends claimed about the death, “When I heard, I was stunned." She added, “I had to go into the hallway. 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. My mom was best friends with her mom so it’s kind of like an emotional roller coaster cause we’re still close to this day," as per WCJB.
What is the police saying?
Sheriff Billy Woods stated on Facebook, "Last Thursday night, my office responded to the area of Forest Lakes Park on SE 183rd Avenue Road. When they arrived, they located a female lying beside the road suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition and later identified as 16-year-old Layla Silvernail.The following morning, deputies responded to SE 94th Street and SE 188th Court in reference to a 17-year-old male lying beside the road, and he was found to be deceased from a gunshot wound."
The post then claimed, "On Saturday, more of my deputies responded to the area of Malauka Loop and Malauka Loop Trace in reference to information that Layla’s vehicle was partially submerged at the edge of a nearby body of water. Members of the MCSO Major Crimes Unit, Forensic Unit, and Underwater Recovery Team responded to collect evidence and recover the vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant for Layla’s vehicle, a search of her vehicle was conducted and a third victim was located. The 16-year-old female had also sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead.
"My Major Crimes detectives are working around the clock continuing their homicide investigation and diligently following up on every potential lead. 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."
Further, it said, "I know this is a rural, tight-knit community and many of you are very concerned. Someone out there knows something. Word travels fast but we want you to have accurate information and not rumors. Limited information is available right now because this case is active. But, if you have any information that may aid us in bringing closure to this case, please call Detective Ryan Stith at (352) 368-3542. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352)368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-22 in your tip."
GoFundMe campaign for Layla Silvernail
The campaign note to help Layla claims, "On Thursday, March 30, 2023, Layla Danielle Silvernail was found shot and left on the side of the road. She was transported to a local hospital where she remained in critical condition. Layla is showing no brain activity and her family has decided to donate her organs so she can help others in the wake of this tragedy. Layla is sixteen years old and has been playing softball all her life in Recreation and Travelball. She is the definition of a team player and an amazing athlete. 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. We are asking for help to fund funeral and memorial expenses for Layla's Nana who has played a huge role in her life."