On August 12, a grand jury in Clay County charged 14-year-old Trevor Lee with two counts of first-degree murder concerning the deaths of his parents.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — A teenager from Middleburg, accused of murdering his parents, has pleaded not guilty to the charges during his court arraignment on Tuesday morning.
The grand jury held on August 12 indicted Trevor Lee, charging him with murdering his parents, 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith.
A spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office confirmed to First Coast News that Lee will be charged as an adult.
Deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office found the bodies of Lee’s parents at their home located at Silver Point and County Road 220 in Middleburg on August 4.
The police report states David Lee and Smith were found in their bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds and several spent shell casings.
Investigations revealed that an argument occurred between Lee and his parents the previous night, leading the teen to allegedly use their firearm in the shooting, leaving it behind at the scene.
According to Sheriff Michelle Cook, Lee called 911 himself to report the incident, stating he had killed his parents before heading to a local church where he was soon apprehended.
Attorney Curtis Fallgatter, with more than 30 years of experience in local courts, described the case as unprecedented in his career.
“I’ve never seen a young man murder both parents,” Fallgatter said.
Fallgatter said the charges align with the facts.
“Obviously, the young man put some thought into it and went and shot both of his parents,” he said. “It’s a terrible thing, and society deserves the state to file the accurate charges. First-degree murder is the right charge.”
Lee faces a possible life sentence if convicted. However, because of his age, Florida law allows for a sentence review after 25 years.
“Now, that doesn’t mean a judge is going to cut the sentence down, but if there’s an opportunity for him to get a shorter sentence—maybe 30 or 40 years instead of life—that might be some incentive for him,” Fallgatter explained.
Fallgatter noted that the 911 call, in which Lee asked for prayers, could be used by both the prosecution and defense.
“Prison is going to be a bad place for a 14-year-old, but that’s where he’s going to land unless there’s some mental health issue… psychiatric and his age would be the only two mitigating factors that would help him,” he added.
Lee’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30.
