3 Florida teens killed in 3 days might have been victims of ‘wannabe gang’

Mystery has loomed over central Florida after three teen friends were found fatally shot in as many days — all of them at separate locations.

The first of the three victims, 16-year-old Layla Silvernail, was found suffering from a gunshot wound along the side of an Ocklawaha road Thursday night, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told reporters during an update posted online Tuesday.

The next morning, the body of a 17-year-old male was discovered a couple miles away. He too had been shot, Woods said.

The third victim, a 16-year-old female, was found on Saturday when authorities located Silvernail’s vehicle partially submerged in a body of water near the Malauka Loop. The unidentified girl was dead from a gunshot wound and inside the vehicle, according to authorities.

Police have confirmed they were all friends and had spent time together leading up to the spate of fatal shootings.

Woods said the deadly violence could be tied to a “hybrid” or “wannabe gang,” but did not provide further details, ClickOrlando reported.

It’s still not clear whether the same weapon was used in each of the slayings, but authorities at this time believe they are all connected.

Woods on Tuesday also took a moment to dispel several rumors swirling on social media about the series of killings. He denied reports there was a fourth victim, saying investigators have yet to uncover any evidence to support that claim.

“The second rumor I want to address is the idea that there is a serial killer out there,” Woods continued. “That is far from the truth. Now, I have the facts of what we know right now, and I can give you that assurance.”

The sheriff emphasized such misinformation is hurtful to victims’ family and loved ones. He also called on the community to come forward with any information they may have in connection with the killings.