MIDDLEBURG, FL — A devastating tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours of Monday, August 4, 2025, when authorities say 14-year-old Trevor Lee fatally shot both of his parents at their home in Middleburg. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Trevor is now facing two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith.
Shortly after midnight, Trevor made a 911 call confessing to the crime. In the call, he told the dispatcher that he had killed his parents and was turning himself in. He was later found in the parking lot of a nearby church on County Road 220, where deputies took him into custody without incident.
When deputies arrived at the residence near Silver Point and County Road 220, they discovered David Lee and Brandi Smith dead in their bedroom. Both had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and several spent shell casings were recovered at the scene. A firearm, believed to belong to the couple, was also found in the home.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook stated that the incident appeared to have followed an argument between Trevor and his parents on Sunday evening. The situation tragically escalated into violence, ending in the loss of two lives.
The 911 call revealed a disturbing yet emotional exchange between Trevor Lee and the dispatcher. Throughout the conversation, the dispatcher remained calm and supportive, urging Trevor to stay put and cooperate with deputies.
“Take a deep breath because they’re going to come up and talk to you, so you need to be listening for them, OK?” the dispatcher said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Trevor responded.
At one point, the teen asked the dispatcher to pray for him before officers arrived.
“I was gonna ask if you could pray for me, ma’am,” Trevor said.
“I’ll definitely be praying for you, son,” she replied, maintaining compassion and control in a tense and heartbreaking situation.
Sheriff Cook praised the dispatcher’s professionalism and empathy, noting that her guidance may have prevented further escalation. Trevor Lee remained on the line until deputies arrived and took him into custody.
Due to Clay County lacking a juvenile detention facility, Trevor was transported to the Duval County Juvenile Detention Center, where he remains in custody.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said Sheriff Cook. “Our hearts go out to the family members, neighbors, and friends affected by this horrific act. We are working diligently to understand what led to this and ensure justice is served.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting. Mental health professionals and grief counselors have been made available to Trevor’s school and the surrounding community.
The shocking nature of the incident has left the Middleburg community stunned, as many try to come to terms with the loss of two lives and the future of a young boy who now faces serious charges.
More information will be released as the investigation progresses. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone struggling with domestic issues or emotional crises to seek help through local resources before tragedy strikes.
Leave a Reply