A 16-year-old from the small Florida town of Wildwood stands accused of premeditated murder, with cops alleging he knifed and killed his 15-year-old friend during a sleepover bash at the victim's house. In a statement by Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Connor Michael Gill was killed in the attack that also left an adult injured on Saturday evening in Wildwood.
According to the statement, the 16-year-old suspect, whose name they're keeping confidential because he's a minor, randomly showed up uninvited to Connor's place, where a bunch of kids were having a sleepover hangout. According to eyewitness accounts, when Connor answered the door, the suspect started going berserk, pounding on it violently before plunging a knife into the 15-year-old.
"This was no doubt a premeditated and targeted attack," said sheriff's office spokesman Pat Breeden in a follow up statement. The suspect allegedly told authorities he had ordered two weapons online days before and received them Saturday. "He unpacked the weapons, played with them for a little bit" before walking nearly six miles to Connor's home, Breeden stated.
Police responded to a reported attack around 8 pm on Saturday, discovering Connor and a 48-year-old man suffering from stab wounds. While the adult victim was airlifted to a hospital, Connor tragically passed away early Sunday morning. The adult survived.
PEOPLE reports that authorities claim the suspect "banged on the door, forced his way in, stabbing the two victims before fleeing the residence," as stated by Breeden. A helicopter search later located the teenage suspect, who was reportedly in possession of the alleged murder weapons.
Michael Carr, who witnessed the attack, told FOX 35 the suspect "had a mission in his eyes" and looked abnormal. "He didn't look right," Carr said. After stabbing the adult victim, Carr alleged the suspect said, "Everyone beware" as he left.
There is currently no information available regarding the likely motivation behind this brutal assault. Prior to the fatal stabbing, the suspect and Connor attended the same school after which they had both moved to homeschooling. The 16-year-old is currently facing charges for armed burglary, assault with a dangerous weapon, and first-degree murder.
According to Carr, a family acquaintance, Connor was a "cool dude" and a "typical 15-year-old" with big dreams for the future, a passion for video games, and an interest in academics. Carr mentioned that "Connor was a child who was genuinely happy and brought joy to those around him."
The cops are asking anyone with information on the case to give the Sumter County Sheriff's Office a ring at 352-793-2621 or to hit up Crimeline anonymously at 1-800-423-TIPS. Investigators are still piecing together exactly what went down in this messed-up situation.