A 14-year-old Florida boy is facing two counts of second-degree murder after authorities say he fatally shot his parents at their Middleburg home before walking to a nearby church to call 911 and ask for prayers.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as Trevor Lee. According to investigators, the teen admitted during a chilling emergency call that he had just killed his parents, 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith.
“He walked into the church, sat down, and calmly asked the dispatcher to pray for him after confessing to the shooting,” said Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook in a press conference on Tuesday. “It’s a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case.”
Timeline of Events
The incident reportedly occurred just after midnight on Monday, August 4. Authorities believe a domestic dispute from the previous evening escalated, ultimately ending in violence. Investigators say Trevor used a firearm registered to one of his parents, though how he accessed it remains under review.
After the shooting, Trevor is said to have disposed of his belongings and walked to the nearby church. In the 911 call, released to the media, he told the operator he was unarmed and willing to wait for authorities. “I just want you to pray for me,” he said, to which the dispatcher replied, “I will definitely be praying for you, son.”
Deputies arrested him at the church without incident.
Community in Shock
The tragedy has shaken the quiet Middleburg community. Friends and neighbors say the Lee-Smith family appeared close and involved in their son’s life.
“I’ve known Brandi for over 20 years,” said James Lewis, a cousin of Brandi Smith. “She was a loving mother, a good person. I don’t know what could’ve led to this.”
Kyree Bamon, a family friend who often spent time with Trevor, described him as “funny, charismatic, and always trying to make people laugh.”
“This doesn’t feel real,” Bamon said. “It’s just hard to process.”
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Trevor Lee is currently in juvenile custody as prosecutors weigh whether to charge him as an adult. Given the severity of the crime, legal experts anticipate the case may be transferred to adult court.
Sheriff Cook emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine what led up to the fatal incident. “There are no winners in this situation,” she said. “Two lives were lost, and a child’s life is forever changed.”
Grief counselors have been made available to students and staff at Trevor’s school and to members of the church where he made the call for help.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 264-6512.
