A 12-year-old youngster will stand trial as an adult for murder in the “gang-related” killings of three teens.
Christoper Atkins, 12, is facing one count of first-degree murder, while Robert Robinson, 17, and Tahj Brewton, 16, have been charged with three charges.
Layla Silvernail, Camille Quarles, and Michael Hodo Jr., all 16, were found shot and dumped in various areas in rural Ocklawaha, Florida, US.
The indictments were announced on Tuesday by William Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
He said: “All three defendants will be charged as adults in Marion County Circuit Court.
“Layla Silvernail was discovered lying unconscious near a dumpster on March 30 after being shot in the head,” said a release from Gladson’s office, which added new details of the horror. “She was transported to the hospital and died from her injuries.
“Michael Hodo Jr. was found dead the following morning on the side of the road with a gunshot wound to the back of the head.