Upgraded charges for teens arrested for the death of a West Nassau High student

CALLAHAN, Fla. — Two teens have received upgraded murder charges, five months after a 16-year-old was shot and killed during an alleged drug deal in Nassau County.

Trent Fort, a 16-year-old West Nassau High School football player, was killed February 24 after he stopped at a stop sign in the Spring Lake Estates neighborhood off Lem Turner Road and got into an argument during a drug deal, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.

One of the other teens called 911 as they drove Fort to West Nassau High School and rescue units rushed Fort to UF Health in Jacksonville, where he later died.

Now two of the three teens who were arrested following the shooting are recieving upgraded charges.

17-year-old Gavin Smith from Callahan is now being charged as an adult with 3rd Degree Murder. He was originally charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent. The Sheriff’s Office stated that Smith knew Fort and they went to school together.

16-year-old Ashton Riggs form Callahan is now being charged as an adult with Accessory to Murder. He was originally charged with Battery on a Person 65 years of age or older and Tampering with Evidence. Deputies found Riggs, and the murder weapon -- a 9 mm handgun -- in a wooded area near the neighborhood where the shooting occurred.

They are both being transferred to the Duval County Pre-Trial Detention Center and are being held with no bond.

The other teen that was arrested is facing a charge of Battery on a Person 65 years of age or older, but that teenager has not been named at this time.

“This is still an active investigation, and there is a strong possibility that other suspects will be charged,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

Cox Media Group