OCALA, FL (352today.com) — The first of three defendants in a 2023 Ocklawaha triple murder case was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years in prison.
Christopher Atkins, 15, who was 12 at the time of his arrest, received the sentence for first-degree murder, with credit for time served. He will serve concurrent sentences for armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and battery. He will be eligible for sentence review after 25 years.
Atkins’ murder charge stems from the killing of Camille Quaroles, who was shot in the trunk of a car later found submerged in a pond. Two other teens, Layla Silvernail and Michael Hodo Jr., were also killed.
Atkins previously agreed to testify against co-defendants Tahj Brewton and Robert Robinson, who are scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday. All three entered open plea deals and face up to life in prison, with a minimum of 40 years.
More news that matters to you…
-
If you sell from the roadside in Marion County, these rules are coming back
Marion County commissioners sent proposed food truck and roadside vendor rules back to staff after operators said the Aug. 26 draft was too vague to follow.
-
The 352Today Halloween Guide to all things Halloween-y in North Central Florida is here
From Ocala to Dunnellon, Citra and beyond, we’ve got you covered for Halloween fun.
-
Halloween in the 352: Your comprehensive calendar of spooky events
The month many revelers and scare-me-sillies wait for all year is here, and there’s more than enough to do in North Central Florida this Halloween season.
-
The 352’s Most Haunted: 7 places with spooky stories
From historic buildings and former hotels to a theater and an eerie stretch of road, these seven real places around the 352 have developed reputations for paranormal activity and spooky stories.
-
Marion County Sheriff’s Office and National Weather Service announce next Skywarn workshop
Join the network of amateur weather spotters who are trained to know what to look for, and how to report it.