Mother of West Nassau High football player shot and killed speaks

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — If you have a tip regarding the deadly shooting of Trent Fort, John Phillips, the attorney for Fort’s family asks that you send him an email at: TrentFort@floridajustice.com

A West Nassau High School teen is dead after being shot and killed by a fellow student in an off-campus shooting on Monday.

Family tells us that shooting victim was Trent Fort, 16, a football player at the school.

Action News Jax spoke one-on-one with Fort’s mother, Paige Hall, on Tuesday.

“So, when I heard that my son was shot, I couldn’t believe it, I thought, ‘What?’ And I just couldn’t believe it. I got to [UF Health] and they said he didn’t make it,” said Hall.

According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), deputies were called out to the school reference to a shooting around 4:45 p.m. on Monday.

NCSO investigators determined the shooting happened at the intersection of Spring Lake Drive and Deer Run Road in Spring Lake Estates.

Investigators believe the shooting was the result of a drug deal gone badly.

Hall tells us this does not sound like the son she knew.

“Trent was always a leader. He was never a follower, ever, and I always bragged about that with him,” said Hall.

NCSO says three suspects are in custody. The suspects’ names have not been released because they are minors.

Investigators say the shooter was detained in a McDonald’s in Callahan.

“He will face charges of violation of probation, possession of a firearm of a delinquent minor and then eventually could face a charge of second-degree murder,” the release went on to say.

According to deputies, a second suspect was taken into custody and will be charged with felony battery on a person over 65, as a result of an incident that occurred after the shooting.

NCSO tells us the second suspect will also face charges for possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, possession of a firearm by a minor, tampering with evidence and pending charges of accessory after the fact to second degree murder.

Deputies found the second suspect, and the murder weapon -- a 9 mm handgun -- in a wooded area near the neighborhood where the shooting occurred.

A third suspect is being charged with felony battery on a person over 65.

Trent’s mother tells us she’s praying for the families of everyone involved and praying for the strength to be there for her other two children.

“I’ve got Anthony and I’ve got Lillian. I’ve got to keep being that mom to them,” said Hall. “And I’m still Trent’s mom too.”

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to come forward by contacting detective Mark Murdock at 904-548-4067.

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