3rd teen found shot in Marion County dies
Sheriff ’s office seeks public’s help with homicide investigation
A 16-year-old girl who was the first of three teens found shot in Marion County last week has died at the hospital, according to the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office.
The teen, identified as Layla Silvernail, was transported in critical condition Thursday night after she was found in the area of Forest Lakes Park in Ocklawaha, which is a small community along State Road 40 east of Ocala. She has since died the sheriff ’s office confirmed to local media outlets Tuesday.
On Friday morning, sheriff’s deputies found a 17-year-old male dead with a gunshot wound lying beside the road in an area a few miles from where Silvernail was found.
On Saturday, a third victim, an unidentified 16-year-old female also dead with a gunshot wound, was found after deputies responded to the discovery of Silvernail’s partially submerged vehicle on the edge of a body of water about 6 miles south of where the male’s body was found.
“My Major Crimes detectives are working around the clock continuing their homicide investigation and diligently following up on every potential lead,” said Sheriff Billy Woods in a video posted to the sheriff ’s office Facebook page on Monday. “We are devastated for the families of these three teens, and we are dedicated to bringing whoever is responsible for these heinous acts to justice.”
“Now we’re looking for help,” he said. “And there’s folks out there who know, and you’ve got information.”
Woods dispelled rumors that have been spread on social media that there is a fourth victim. He also said there is nothing suggesting there is a serial killer involved in these crimes.
“I know this is a rural, tight-knit community and many of you are very concerned. Someone out there knows something. Word travels fast but we want you to have accurate information and not rumors,” he said.
He said information including the identities of the two other teens are being limited because of Marsy’s Law as well as the integrity of the active case “to ensure we can build a solid case against this individual that committed these crimes.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ryan Stith at 352-368-3542 or to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-22.
Southeastern Fastpitch organized a GoFundMe for Silvernail that stated Layla was showing no brain activity and the family decided to donate her organs.
“Layla is sixteen years old and has been playing softball all her life in Recreation and Travelball. She is the definition of a team player and an amazing athlete,” the fundraiser read. “She loved the game of softball, was a great pitcher and could play any position her team needed. She uplifted all of her teammates! She has been taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed.”