Florida police rule out serial killer after three teens were shot dead within 5-mile radius

Police in Florida are searching for a possible triple murder suspect after three teenagers were found dead or dying beside a road north of Orlando.

The two 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy were discovered near Ocklawaha, 60 miles north west of Orlando.

Layla Silvernail, 16, was still alive when she was found on Thursday night shot in the head and left in a dumpster near Forest Lakes Park, WCJB reported. 

Her family said she was declared brain dead, and has since been taken off life support, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support them.

A second victim, an unnamed 17-year-old boy, was found on Friday morning less than a mile away, shot dead by the side of the road.

The third victim, another 16-year-old girl, was found on Saturday shot dead inside Silvernail’s car, which was partially submerged in a lake.

Layla Silvernail, 16, was found on Thursday shot in the head and left in a dumpster, but still alive. She has since died, and police have found two more teenage victims – one 17-year-old boy, and another 16-year-old girl – who they believe are connected

Silvernail was found, still alive, inside this dumpster in Marion, County Florida

Sheriff Billy Woods said in a video statement posted to Facebook that his team were investigating how the trio were connected.

‘My Major Crimes Detectives are working 24/7 to continue their murder investigation and diligently track down every possible lead,’ he said.

‘We are devastated for the families of these three teenagers, and we are dedicated to bringing whoever is responsible for these atrocious acts to justice.’

Woods also asked anyone with any information to come forward.

He also cautioned about believing rumors circulating – noting that reports of a fourth victim were not true.

‘I know this is a very close community and many of you are very concerned,’ he said.

‘Someone out there knows something. We want you to have truthful information and not rumors.’

Silvernail was described by her friends and relatives as a talented softball player

Silvernail was described by her friends and relatives as a talented softball player.

Silvernail’s family decided to donate her organs ‘so she can help others in the wake of this tragedy,’ the girl’s softball league wrote on the fundraising page.

‘She is the definition of a team player and an amazing athlete,’ they said.

‘She loved the game of softball, was a great pitcher and could play any position her team needed. She uplifted all of her teammates!

‘She has been taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed.’