Clay County community shed light on teen Trevor Lee, charged in parents' deaths
Share this @internewscast.com

Family, friends, and neighbors familiar with the situation have expressed their disbelief to First Coast News. The teen suspect’s closest friend mentioned that the family regarded him as one of their own.

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — A 14-year-old Clay County boy is accused of a crime that’s left a community asking why. According to deputies, he shot and killed his own parents, then called 911 to confess just after midnight Monday. 

Sheriff Michelle Cook said Trevor Lee, just 14 years old, got into an argument with his parents, 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Lee, moments before opening fire.

Family members, friends and neighbors who knew this couple and their son tell First Coast News that they appeared to be your typical family — which is why many of them said they’re left shocked and saddened at this news.


“They were the best or one of the best families I knew,” said Kyree Bemon. “They were funny and they treated me well. They told me they loved me like a son and they treated me as such.”

Fourteen-year-old Kyree Bemon came to David Lee and Brandi Smith’s home almost every week to hang out with his best friend, Trevor Lee.

Monday afternoon, Bemon is now praying in front of the home where the shooting happened.

According to Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, Trevor got in an argument with his parents Sunday night.

Police say the teen shot and killed his parents, then called 911 and surrendered at a nearby church. 

Bemon said he last spoke with Lee around midnight, six hours before police responded to the shooting.

“He told me he loved me and he told me he was calling to say goodnight,” Bemon said. “Trevor isn’t a bad person, he made some bad mistakes and he’ll suffer the consequences for it, but that’s not all he was. I don’t want him to be known as a killer or murderer. He was a great kid, great son and great brother.”

James Lewis is cousins with Brandi Smith and said her family was like any other.

“She was a happy person. A good person all around,” Lewis said. “Every time I saw them, laughing, joking, doing family things.”

Now two parents are gone, a teen is behind bars and a Middleburg community is now rattled forever.

“My heart breaks for that little boy, obviously tragic incident, for it to get to that point where he felt like it was the only option he had, is the saddest thing you could possibly think of,” Seth Myers, a neighbor, said.

“The Trevor that did this, I don’t know that Trevor, and the Trevor I knew, I will continue to be friends with him and I pray the Trevor that did this died last night,” said Bemon.

According to Cook, investigators are looking into Lee’s mental health history. He is charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israel set to reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt for first time since May 2024

Israel Reopens Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt: A Landmark Move Since May 2024

On Thursday, Israel revealed plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing, facilitating…
No REAL ID yet? You can still fly, but it may cost $45 without another form of accepted ID

Don’t Have a REAL ID? Discover How to Fly and Avoid a $45 Fee with These ID Alternatives

That small star adorning your U.S. driver’s license is about to help…
Toddler fatally struck by pickup truck driver in Long Island driveway

Tragic Discovery: Man and Dog Found Deceased Inside Queens Mobile Vet Van, Another Man Unconscious Nearby

In a tragic discovery on Sunday morning, authorities found a man and…
Jacksonville's overnight warming center to open Monday through Friday during cold front

Stay Warm: Discover First Coast Warming Centers Open Amid Record Cold Snap

In Jacksonville, the Legends Center will remain open overnight through Monday, February…
Puerto Rico could be forced to withdraw from WBC due to insurance reason

Puerto Rico’s WBC Participation at Risk: The Unseen Impact of Insurance Challenges

Insurance issues could potentially lead one nation to pull out of the…
Israel, Egypt coordinate reopening of Rafah Crossing in test before Gaza residents allowed through

Israel and Egypt Collaborate to Reopen Rafah Crossing: Key Test Phase for Gaza Residents

On Sunday, Israel and Egypt conducted an initial trial to reopen the…
Jacksonville gunfight leaves 2 seriously injured; JSO says as deputies ask for the public's help

Jacksonville Shooting Leaves Two Injured; Authorities Seek Public’s Assistance

Two men are recovering in the hospital after a shooting incident sparked…
Ukraine races to bolster air defenses as Putin’s strike pause nears end

Ukraine Accelerates Air Defense Preparations as Putin’s Ceasefire Winds Down

As a temporary lull in Russian aerial attacks on Kyiv and other…
Deport Every Single Illegal Alien Possible

Comprehensive Plan Unveiled to Address Illegal Immigration Challenges

Dear Patriot, We’re reaching out with a straightforward request: Join us in…
What Tyler Robinson's defense wants hidden and why prosecutors and media say no in court

Battle in Court: Tyler Robinson’s Defense Seeks Secrecy as Prosecutors and Media Demand Transparency

Prosecutors in Utah are joining forces with a diverse group of media…
Top Kremlin official praises Trump’s push for peace in Ukraine as talks set to resume

Kremlin Official Commends Trump’s Efforts for Peaceful Ukraine Resolution Amid Renewed Negotiations

A senior figure from the Kremlin has lauded President Donald Trump for…
Hikers stiff hotel on unpaid bill after treacherous 7-hour mountain rescue operation, nonprofit says

Hikers Skip Out on Hotel Bill After Challenging 7-Hour Mountain Rescue, Reports Nonprofit

Two adventurers found themselves in a tight spot after getting lost on…