44-and-45-year-old parents died after their 14-year-old son the mother earlier said gave her “pure hell” shot them to death in their home following an argument; son charged
Florida – In a shocking incident in Florida, a 14-year-old boy, identified as Trevor L., has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder after shooting his 44-year-old father, identified as David L., and 45-year-old mother, identified as Brandi S., to death in their home following an argument.
Authorities identified the suspect as Trevor, who is accused of killing his parents early Monday morning. According to the sheriff’s office, the charges stem from what investigators believe was a domestic argument that escalated into deadly violence. Sheriff M. Cook said deputies are reviewing the teen’s mental health background and school history as part of the ongoing investigation. The murders occurred less than five years after Smith had posted on Facebook about the challenges she faces while raising the boy, writing in 2019, “This lil boy gives me pure hell. Everything I did to my parents I’m getting it back times 10. Yall keep us lifted up in prayer.”
The sheriff’s office says the shootings happened at the family’s home. According to police, Trevor used one of his parents’ guns when carrying out the horrific act. Investigators say that after the shooting, the teen walked over a mile to a church in the area. There, at around 3:48 a.m., he called 911 and told the dispatcher, “I was gonna ask if you could pray for me, ma’am.” The dispatcher replied, “I’ll definitely be praying for you, son.” Trevor then admitted over the phone that “he had killed his parents” and said he would wait in the church for police to arrive. Deputies took him into custody without incident.
Meanwhile, a separate 911 call came in from David’s sister, who had somehow learned of the shooting. She told dispatchers that her brother and his wife “had a good day” and had gone to the movies earlier that Sunday. When deputies arrived at the home, they found both Brandi and David dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The murder weapon was recovered inside the house near their bodies.
Sheriff Cook told reporters the shooting appeared to have been the result of a domestic argument earlier that night. While the precise details of the dispute remain unclear, authorities confirmed it took place shortly before the fatal gunfire. Cook also asked anyone with information about Trevor or his family to contact the sheriff’s office, emphasizing that any insights into his background could help with the investigation.
The killings shocked friends and neighbors, many of whom described the family as warm and loving. One of Trevor’s close friends said the events did not reflect the person he knew. “They were probably the best, or one of the best, families I knew. They were funny, and they treated me very well. They told me all the time they loved me like a son. Trevor isn’t a bad person; he made some bad decisions, and he will suffer the consequences, but that’s not all he was,” Trevor’s friend added.
Trevor is being held in juvenile detention, but because of the serious nature of the charges, prosecutors could seek to have him tried as an adult. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities examining what led to the argument, how the teen accessed the firearm, and whether prior warning signs were overlooked.
