Middleburg, FL – With deep sorrow and heartbreak, the Clay County community mourns the tragic and untimely deaths of David Lee, 44, and Brandi Smith, 45, who were fatally shot in the early hours of August 4, 2025, in an incident that has shocked the local area and beyond. The couple, both devoted parents, lost their lives following a domestic dispute in their Middleburg home — a tragedy made even more devastating by the fact that their 14-year-old son, Trevor Lee, is accused of committing the fatal act.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, authorities received a 911 call shortly after midnight from the teenage boy, who reported that he had shot his parents. He directed law enforcement to their residence and told dispatchers he had walked nearly a mile to a nearby church, where he would await their arrival.
Deputies responded immediately. One team apprehended the teen without incident at the church, while another entered the family home and discovered both David Lee and Brandi Smith deceased from gunshot wounds. A firearm, believed to be owned by the parents, was recovered at the scene.
During a press conference, Sheriff Michelle Cook stated that preliminary investigations suggest the shooting followed a domestic dispute involving the young teen and his parents. “There’s no easy way to process what has happened here,” Sheriff Cook said. “This is a family torn apart, and an entire community left reeling. It’s a tragedy on every level.”
David and Brandi were well-known in Middleburg for their kindness, their dedication to their family, and their involvement in the local community. Those who knew them speak of a loving couple who worked hard, supported their son, and gave generously of themselves to others. Their sudden and senseless loss has left friends, neighbors, coworkers, and extended family devastated and searching for answers in the wake of this unimaginable event.
David Lee was remembered as a hardworking, dependable man with a quiet sense of humor and a deep commitment to his family. He was passionate about the outdoors and often spent his free time working on projects around the house or sharing stories with friends. Brandi, his wife and closest companion, was known for her warmth, her strong spirit, and her nurturing heart. She loved deeply and gave generously — not only to her family but to anyone in need. She was described by those who loved her as the kind of person who made a lasting impact simply by being herself.
The couple’s life together was filled with memories of love, laughter, and dedication to their only son. They were fiercely proud parents who worked hard to build a future for their child, and the events of August 4 have left an aching void that words alone cannot fill.
Trevor Lee has since been charged with two counts of second-degree murder. While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities are working to piece together the details that led to the shooting, including what may have prompted the domestic dispute. Officials confirmed that the firearm used was left behind at the scene and that no other suspects are being sought.
Middleburg, a quiet community located approximately 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville, is grappling with the magnitude of this tragedy. Grief counselors have been made available to the public, and support services are being offered to classmates, friends, and family members who are mourning and trying to understand how such a heartbreaking event could have unfolded.
Funeral arrangements for David Lee and Brandi Smith will be announced in the coming days, and loved ones are asking for privacy and prayers as they attempt to process an unbearable loss.
This is not just a news story — it is a human story. One of love and loss, heartbreak and tragedy. As the community gathers to mourn, may we also take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health awareness, family support, and early intervention — to prevent more lives from being lost too soon.
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