A teenager is in custody after allegedly stabbing another teenager to death and wounding an adult in an ambush at a sleepover party, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said.
The attack happened at a home in Wildwood just after 10pm on Saturday, when officers arrived at the residence and witnessed a 15-year-old boy and an adult being stabbed, according to authorities.
Investigators said a 15-year-old boy was hosting a sleepover party when a suspect, later identified as Alexander Warren Hernandez, 16, showed up unannounced and “banged” on the door.
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The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Alexander Warren Hernandez planned to kill the 15-year-old boy. (Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)
Police said when the victim, Connor Michael Gill, tried to unlock the door, Hernandez forced his way inside the home and stabbed Gill, then threatened a third victim and stabbed an adult who came to see what was going on.
Hernandez then fled on foot and was arrested a short time later with assistance from a sheriff’s department helicopter, and authorities said he still had the weapon in his possession.
Both stabbing victims were transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Gill was later pronounced dead, while the adult victim remains under treatment for his injuries.
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Deputy Chief Pat Breeden said the boy suspected of stabbing another teenager to death at a sleepover ordered the murder weapon over the internet and “just played around with it.” (Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)
Hernandez was taken to the Sumter County Jail and charged with premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and armed robbery, authorities said.
Authorities said both Gill and Hernandez had been removed from Sumter County schools and were learning from home..
At a press conference Sunday, Sumter County Undersheriff Pat Breeden said this was a planned, targeted attack.
“Alexander told detectives he ordered two weapons over the internet last Thursday. The weapons arrived on Saturday. He unpacked the weapons, tinkered with them briefly and then walked approximately six miles to the victim’s residence,” Breeden said.
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At a press conference Sunday, Sumter County Undersheriff Pat Breeden said police are investigating to determine a motive for the deadly ambush. (Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities said additional charges may be filed against Hernandez.
Breedon added that the motive for the attack was still being determined.
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“One thing is certain: this was a violent and premeditated attack. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and victims,” Breeden said.
