One of Jacksonville’s youngest murder suspects will now spend decades behind bars.
Jeremiah Hill, 14, was arrested for the 2015 murder of Tony Johnson, 25. Johnson was shot and killed during a gun deal at a gas station in North Jacksonville, and police say it was part of a robbery.
“Based on your plea of guilty to murder in the first degree, the judge accepts your guilty plea and sentences you to serve 40 years,” said Judge Jack M. Schemer.
Schemer gave Hill that sentence for first degree murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of a gun by a juvenile.
Hill’s codefendants, 19-year-old Keyshaun Hill and 18-year-old Cameron Sneed, are awaiting trial for first-degree murder and attempted murder.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says Hill, his cousin Keyshawn and Sneed met with Johnson and a friend to trade guns during that deal.
Tony Johnson’s mother wanted Hill to serve a longer sentence for the killing.
“I think they could have him a little more time,” said Anniwille Clark, Johnson’s mother. “He was acting like he didn’t care for my son. He killed my baby.”
Hill’s family says they are sorry.
“I hurt for the people [that their] son passed away,” said Beauty Hill, Jeremiah Hill’s grandmother. “I don’t wish that on nobody. He’s a teenager, but he has to be punished for what he did.” .
Action News Jax reporter Larry Spurill was in court Friday and Tweeted out these updates: