Marion County teen gets life for 2023 Ocklawaha triple murder; third teen to be sentenced today

Tahj Brewton receives 3 life sentences for murders

Tahj Brewton, one of the three teenagers involved in a 2023 triple murder of three other teens in Marion County, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday morning.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Tahj Brewton, one of the two teenagers involved in a 2023 triple murder of three other teens in Marion County, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday morning. 

The other teen, Robert Robinson, is expected to learn his fate later today.

What we know:

Brewton and Robinson, who were 16 and 17 at the time of the murders, both pleaded no contest to three counts of murder, one count of robbery, and one of evidence tampering.

On Wednesday morning, Circuit Judge Robert Hodges sentenced Brewton to three life terms—one for each homicide. Based on their plea agreement, he will be eligible for review on those life sentences in 25 years.

Hodges pointed to the seriousness and the heinousness of the murders, his past criminal history and that he "orchestrated" the crimes.

Prior to learning his fate, numerous victim statements were presented during his sentencing. Brewton declined to speak when given the opportunity to address the court. He has 30 days to file an appeal. 

Robinson's hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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Dig deeper:

Christopher Atkins, who was just 12 at the time of the murders, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder as part of a plea deal that included his cooperation against Brewton and Robinson. The judge credited Atkins with 798 days of time served and set a sentence review in 25 years.

The backstory:

Between May 30 and April 1, 2023, the bodies of three teenagers – identified as Layla Silvernail, Michael Hodo Jr., and Camille Quarles – were recovered in different locations in Marion County.

According to officials, Silvernail had been shot in the head and was found near a dumpster. Hodo Jr. was shot in the back of the head and found alongside the road. Quarles had two gunshot wounds and was found dead in a car trunk that was partially submerged in a lake.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods previously told reporters that it appeared that everyone was part of an unofficial neighborhood "wannabe gang" and that at some point, the three boys turned on the three teenagers. A possible motive appeared to be robbery.

Murders of 3 Florida teens could be result of 'wannabe gang,' sheriff says

A triple murder has shocked a small town in Marion County. The sheriff's office says they are looking at multiple suspects.

According to the arrest affidavit, the suspects and victims were together the night of the murders. Atkins claimed Brewton shot Silvernail and 17-year-old Michael Hodo Jr. Atkins then claimed he was forced to shoot another victim "or his family would be killed", the affidavit states. 

During an interview with Robinson, officials asked why he shot one of the victims to which he replied, "Because she was still alive. She was going to snitch on us all. We was all going to go to jail for life", the affidavit read. 

In May 2023, a grand jury indicted Robinson and Brewton on three counts of first-degree murder, and Atkins was indicted on one count of first-degree murder in the deaths of the three teenagers.

FOX 35 has previously not named Atkins due to his age. However, FOX 35 has decided to name him as he has been charged as an adult.