A tragic incident unfolded in Wildwood, Florida, as a teenage boy was taken into custody following a fatal stabbing at a sleepover. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office revealed that the attack took place at a residence in Wildwood just after 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Authorities reported that a 15-year-old boy and an adult were both stabbed during the ambush. The teenage victim, identified as Connor Michael Gill, was hosting a sleepover when the suspect, 16-year-old Alexander Warren Hernandez, arrived unannounced and forcibly entered the home, leading to the fatal stabbing of Gill.
Following the attack, Hernandez also threatened a third victim and wounded an adult who intervened. The suspect fled the scene on foot but was swiftly apprehended with the assistance of a sheriff's office helicopter. Hernandez was found in possession of the murder weapons at the time of his arrest.
Both stabbing victims were airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, Gill succumbed to his injuries, while the adult victim remained hospitalized for ongoing care.
Hernandez was subsequently taken into custody and charged with premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and armed burglary. It was revealed that both the victim and the suspect had withdrawn from Sumter County Schools and were being homeschooled.
During a press briefing, Sumter County Undersheriff Pat Breeden described the attack as premeditated and targeted. Hernandez confessed to ordering the weapons online, receiving them on the day of the incident, and walking a considerable distance to carry out the attack.
Authorities indicated that additional charges may be brought against Hernandez as the investigation progresses. The motive behind the violent assault is still under investigation, with law enforcement emphasizing the severity of the premeditated nature of the crime.
Undersheriff Breeden expressed condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the devastating impact of the incident on the community. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office continues to work diligently to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
