NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — The parents of a Nassau County teen killed in February said they are one step closer to justice.
Trent Fort, 16, was shot to death Feb. 24. The shooting happened at the intersection of Spring Lake Dr. and Deer Run Rd. in Callahan.
On Thursday, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office announced two teen suspects are facing upgraded charges in connection to Trent’s death.
Parents Paige Hall said Thareus Fort said it marks the first step in their difficult journey toward justice, but nothing erases their pain.
“No one should have to bury their kid. No one should have to see them laying in a casket. No one should have to go to a grave to visit your child. It’s hard,” Hall said.
Gaven Smith, 17, from Callahan is now being charged as an adult with 3rd degree murder. He was originally facing charges for possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent.
Ashton Riggs, 16, form Callahan is now being charged as an adult with accessory to murder. He was originally facing charges for battery on a Person 65 years of age or older and tampering with evidence.
Hall said it’s been an agonizing five-month wait.
“It’s been the worst five months of my life,” Hall said. Fort said he won’t be happy until the suspects are convicted.
“They took my world,” Fort said. “I want them to have a long time to sit and think what they’ve done to us.”
Hall said she hopes more arrests are made in her son’s death.
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The NCSO said there’s a strong possibility other suspects will be charged.
The parents said they cling to Trent’s memories and reflect on the joy he brought to their lives.
“He had such a big heart for people in general and that’s how I want him to be remembered,” Fort said.
Trent was a standout varsity football player at West Nassau County High School.
His parents said he had dreams of playing college football before his life was cut short.
The parents are paying it forward to keep Trent’s memory alive.
They started the Trent Fort Forever 21 Foundation and plan to give scholarships to children in the community who play football.
Cox Media Group
