Middleburg, FL – In a horrifying incident that has shaken the Middleburg community, a 14-year-old boy is in custody after allegedly shooting and killing his parents, then calmly calling 911 to confess.
According to Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, deputies received the chilling 911 call around midnight on Monday.
The teen reportedly told dispatchers that he had shot both of his parents and then walked nearly a mile to a nearby church, where he waited peacefully for deputies to arrive and take him into custody.
Victims Identified
When deputies arrived at the family’s home on Silver Point near County Road 220, they discovered the lifeless bodies of 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
According fox35orlando, to Sheriff Cook confirmed that the weapon used in the killings was found at the scene and is believed to have belonged to the parents.
“This is a tragedy of unimaginable scale,” Sheriff Cook said during a press briefing. “Two people are dead, and a young life is now forever changed.”
Initial Investigation Points to Domestic Argument
A preliminary investigation indicates that a domestic argument may have escalated into the fatal shooting, although the specific nature of the dispute remains unclear.
Authorities have not released information about what prompted the violence or what may have been said before the teen opened fire.
Teen Remained Calm and Cooperative
After making the 911 call, the teen reportedly remained composed and followed instructions. He informed dispatchers that he was unarmed and would wait at the church to be taken into custody. Deputies took him into custody without incident.
Officials described the teen’s demeanor as “calm and cooperative”, both during the call and his arrest. He is currently being held while investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the killings.
Read Also: California Couple Arrested for Murder and Torture After 8-Year-Old Girl Found Dead
Mental Health History Under Review
Sheriff Cook stated that mental health evaluations will be a critical part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether the teen had a history of psychological issues or behavioral concerns at home or school.
“We’re in the early stages,” Cook said. “We need to understand what was happening in this household, and if there were any warning signs we missed.”
Community Asked to Come Forward
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the family or any previous incidents involving the teen to come forward.
“Even the smallest detail could help us understand what led to this tragedy,” said Sheriff Cook.
What Happens Next
The teen’s identity has not been released due to his age. It remains unclear whether he will be charged as a juvenile or as an adult. Prosecutors are expected to review the case in the coming days as investigators complete interviews and gather evidence from the home.
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