- October 21, 2024
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The fatal shootings of local 16-year-old Noah Smith in January and 16-year-old Keymarion Hall on May 3 are directly related, and deputies have arrested someone they believe is connected to Smith's shooting, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news conference on May 6.
"We know who did it — and so do you — but we need your information to make a rock solid case for the state attorney."
— RICK STALY, Flagler County sheriff
Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida is increasing the reward for information leading to an arrest in Smith's shooting from $10,000 to $15,000.
"We know who did it — and so do you — but we need your information to make a rock solid case for the state attorney," Staly said.
Crime Stoppers has erected a billboard on South State Street in Bunnell seeking tips. Submit tips to 1-888-277-TIPS to remain anonymous and eligible for the $15,000 reward. (Tips can also be submitted to the FCSO at 386-313-4911 or [email protected], but tips submitted that way will not be eligible for the Crime Stoppers reward.)
Staly and State Attorney R.J. Larizza stood in front of the new sign, which bears Smith's image, as they pleaded with community members to come forward with information.
"How many times is this going to have to happen before we can find a way to get into these communities and stop this violence?"
— R.J. LARIZZA, State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit
"We have to hold the folks accountable that commit these crimes, but we can't do it unless we can prove it. So we need your help," Larizza said. "We need the community's help, and I'm begging please help us solve these crimes."
Pointing to the new Crime Stoppers billboard, he said, "It's just a damn shame that we've got a billboard behind us ... with a photo of a 16-year-old young man, teenager, that has been murdered by gun violence ... and just within the last couple of weeks, that makes the second 16-year-old victim. That's a damn shame as well. And it's a shame that we have trouble getting folks to come forward."
People with information are often relatives or friends of the suspect, Staly said.
"We want justice for Noah and Keymarion's families just like you do," he said. "We ask the family to speak up. Tell us what you know, and help us bring these investigations to a close."
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said the Bunnell Police Department is working with the FCSO to solve the recent shootings.
"But I implore you to please speak with our officers," Brannon said. "We're out here to help you. We want to make this community as safe as possible."
Larizza said he's heard speculation about why people won't come forward.
"Is it because folks are afraid? Is it because folks don't trust law enforcement? Is it because folks just don't know anything? Maybe it's a combination of all of that," he said. "But we have to do better. Law enforcement, the State Attorney's Office, and the folks in the community — we've got to find a way to stop this violence. ... How many families are we going to have to talk to? How many times is this going to have to happen before we can find a way to get into these communities and stop this violence from happening?"
Smith's father, Keith Smith, blamed the suspect's parents, as well.
"It ain't just the kids, it's these parents too," he said. "Because if that would've been my son, I would make him man up today."
Staly did not call the individual who was arrested — 18-year-old Terrell Sampson — a suspect in the shooting itself, although Staly said detectives know that Sampson is "connected to" the Smith case.
"This is an arrest on an unrelated charge; the Noah Smith homicide investigation is active and ongoing," Staly said. "We also believe that the murder of Keymarion Hall is directly linked to this case. There are rumors of pressure being made to keep potential witnesses silent in both cases."
Sampson was arrested May 5 on a charge of possession of a firearm by a delinquent. The offense date listed on Sampson's jail record is Jan. 12, the date of Smith's shooting.
Sampson has seven felony convictions already, Staly said, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon domestic violence, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of cocaine and marijuana, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and resisting an officer.
"This young man has already wasted his future, and will probably spend most of his life in a state prison if he is not killed on the streets if he doesn't change his behavior," Staly said.
The two shootings appear to be relationship-related, Staly said in response to a reporter's question about whether the shootings were gang-related. Smith, Staly added. was "probably in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"It was probable he was an unintended victim, from everything we know at this time," Staly said. "And we're still investigating Keymarion Hall on what's going on there."
Smith urged parents to be aware of what their kids are doing at night.
Gun owners, Staly added, need to stop leaving guns in their unlocked cars, because that's how kids are getting them.
"I'm confident ... that between community assistance, the detectives that we have, the forensics and the data dumps that we're getting that are being analyzed — we will solve this case," Staly said. "The question is how long it will take. ... You've got $15,000 now, and we just need that one piece of evidence. And that's what we're asking for."
