A chilling tragedy has rocked the community of Middleburg, Florida, after a 14-year-old boy called 911 and confessed to killing his parents inside their home on August 4. The teen is now facing two counts of second-degree murder, though it’s still unclear if prosecutors will charge him as an adult.
According to CBS News, the boy told dispatchers that he would be waiting in a nearby church parking lot to be taken into custody after the shooting. When deputies arrived at the family’s home, they found the bodies of 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith inside.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said investigators believe the fatal shooting stemmed from an argument between the boy and his parents. Deputies also stated that the firearm used in the incident belonged to the parents.
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Investigators Look Into Teen’s Mental Health and Motive Behind the Tragedy
While the exact motive remains under investigation, authorities are now taking a deeper look into the teen’s mental health history, digital footprint, and what may have led him to commit such a horrific act.
Social media users have already begun uncovering past Facebook posts written by Brandi Smith, the boy’s mother. One post from 2019 resurfaced and is causing people to speculate about their relationship:
“This lil boy gives me pure hell. Everything I did to my parents, I’m getting it back times 10. Y’all keep us lifted in prayer,” Smith wrote at the time. However, it’s important to note that the context of the post remains unclear. There is no confirmation that it indicates long-term tension or abuse within the home.
A close friend of the teen spoke to reporters and said the family seemed loving and kind from his experience.
“They were very nice, they were funny, and they treated me very well,” he shared. “He called me and told me he loved me and to have a good night.”
It’s not confirmed if that call happened before or after the 911 confession. Investigators are actively reviewing phone records and interviews with friends and family.