Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods recently addressed rumors surrounding the deaths of three teenagers who were fatally shot in Ocklawaha last week.
On Thursday, March 30, shortly after 10:50 p.m., MCSO deputies responded to the area of Forest Lakes Park on SE 183rd Avenue Road in Ocklawaha in reference to an injured female who was laying on the side of the road.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 16-year-old girl, later identified as Layla Silvernail, who had been shot. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, and she was later pronounced deceased.
The following day, at approximately 7:55 a.m., deputies responded to the area of SE 94th Street and SE 188th Court in Ocklawaha in reference to another person who had been found on the side of the road. Deputies quickly arrived on scene and discovered the body of a 17-year-old boy who had been fatally shot. According to MCSO, the male victim’s name is being withheld at the request of his next of kin pursuant to Marsy’s Law.
On Saturday, April 1, at around 12:40 p.m, deputies received information relating to the homicide investigation and responded to the area of Malauka Loop and Malauka Loop Trace in Ocklawaha. Upon arrival, deputies located Silvernail’s vehicle, which was partially submerged at the edge of a nearby body of water.
The MCSO Forensic Unit and Underwater Recovery Team arrived at the location to process the scene and search for additional evidence. According to the sheriff’s office, the interior of the vehicle was searched and the body of a deceased 16-year-old girl was found. Her name is also being withheld at the request of her next of kin.
In a video posted on MCSO’s Facebook page, Sheriff Woods stated, “Now, I’m here to assure that small-knit community that Major Crimes detectives are working very hard to determine who was the individual that committed these heinous crimes.”
Sheriff Woods stated that he wants to stop the rumors that are on social media regarding this case. “One of the rumors is that there’s a fourth victim. As of right now, there is not. Nor do we have any information to indicate that we do, unless you know something that we don’t, and that means that you’re not helping us.”
The next rumor that Sheriff Woods addressed is the idea that there is a serial killer loose in the area, which the sheriff stated is far from the truth. “Now, I have the facts of what we know right now, and I can give you that assurance,” said Sheriff Woods.
In the video, Sheriff Woods advised residents to avoid speculating on social media. “One of the things I want each of you to think of, and try to remember when you start to type, is that there are family members out there reading it. And some of you, you make (expletive) up, and it’s devastating to that family and you need to stop.”
According to Sheriff Woods, there is information pertaining to the investigation that cannot be shared with the public at this time in order to protect the integrity of the case. Detectives are working hard to build a solid case against the individual who committed these crimes.
“We need your help, citizens,” added Sheriff Woods. If you have any information that may be of interest to investigators, please contact Detective Ryan Stith at 352-368-3542.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-22 in your tip.