A 16-year-old Florida boy, identified as Alexander Warren Hernandez, embarked on a premeditated attack that claimed the life of a 15-year-old victim and left an adult in critical condition.
“This was no doubt a premeditated and targeted attack,” Undersheriff Pat Breeden said. “Alexander told the detectives that he ordered the two weapons online. When the weapons arrived on Saturday, he unpacked the weapons, played with them for a little bit, and then he walked nearly six miles to the victim’s residence.”
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the events of that night began to unfold around 10:11 PM when Hernandez, armed with a scythe and a pocket knife, arrived unannounced at the home where the 15-year-old victim, Connor Michael Gill, was having a sleepover.
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Hernandez, who had reportedly ordered the weapons online just days prior, is said to have walked 6 miles to the home, “banged” on the door, and forced his way inside once the victim unlocked it.
Once inside the home, Hernandez immediately launched a violent assault, stabbing Connor Michael Gill. An adult in the home, a 48-year-old man, rushed to investigate the commotion and was also attacked by Hernandez, sustaining critical injuries. Hernandez is also alleged to have threatened a third victim during the incident.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the two stabbing victims. Connor Michael Gill was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead at 1:19 AM.
The 48-year-old adult victim, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, remains hospitalized in the ICU, in critical but stable condition.
Following the attack, Hernandez fled the scene on foot. However, with the assistance of a sheriff’s office helicopter, he was quickly located and taken into custody. Hernandez was found still in possession of the weapons he had allegedly used in the stabbing.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has charged Hernandez with premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and armed burglary. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The motive behind Hernandez’s actions remains unclear, and investigators are working diligently to unravel the circumstances that may have led to this tragic event. Both the 15-year-old victim and the suspect had previously withdrawn from Sumter County Schools and were being homeschooled, according to deputies.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward, either by contacting the sheriff’s office directly or through the Crimeline anonymous reporting system.
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