MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Christopher Atkins, the 14-year-old boy arrested in connection with the 2023 shooting deaths of three teens in Marion County, has pleaded guilty to all charges, according to court records.
Atkins, along with Tahj Brewton, now 18, and Robert Robinson, now 19, were arrested in April 2023 and charged as adults for the deaths of 16-year-old Layla Silvernail, 16-year-old Camille Quarles, and 17-year-old Michael Hodo Jr. in the Ocklawaha area. The three teens were found dead over several days in March and April 2023, leading to an extensive investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
A grand jury indictment in May 2023 led to Robinson and Brewton being charged with three counts of first-degree murder, while Atkins was charged with one count of first-degree murder. All three faced additional charges of robbery with a firearm and tampering with physical evidence.
At Atkins’ court hearing on Wednesday, which lasted less than an hour, he pleaded guilty to all charges. As a result, Atkins could face a sentence ranging from 40 years to life in prison, depending on the court’s decision. This sentencing is related to the murder and robbery charges.
Sheriff Billy Woods reported that Silvernail’s body was found on March 30, 2023, in the Forest Lakes Park neighborhood. Hodo’s body was discovered the following day, while Quarles’ body was found on April 1, in Silvernail’s vehicle, partially submerged near a body of water.
Robinson and Atkins confessed to the shooting of Silvernail, with Atkins being identified as the one who shot Quarles, whose body was found in the car trunk.
This tragic case, which has deeply affected the Marion County community, has now reached a pivotal moment as Atkins awaits sentencing.
