JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local community leader is calling for a 12-year-old murder suspect to be tried as an adult.
Kenneth Adkins, who leads a group of local pastors, said Friday he plans to contact State Attorney Angela Corey about Sharron Townsend, 12.
Townsend is accused of shooting and killing Thomas Trent, 54, on 103rd Street in June. JSO said there is no known motive.
Adkins said he plans to send a letter to Corey on Monday.
“I’m going to write in the letter that it is our opinion that he should be tried as an adult,” said Adkins. “Most certainly I think that’s key. I think a strong message has to be sent.”
Adkins said he will support the State Attorney’s Office no matter what decision it makes.
Friday Action News learned more details about the 12-year-old’s criminal past.
According to an arrest report obtained by Action News, Townsend broke into R. L. Brown Elementary when he was 11 years old. The report said he and a friend stole laptop computers, a box of tissues and air freshener.
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The murder Townsend is accused of took place June 28. JSO said surveillance video from nearby businesses helped lead them to the suspect.