16-year-olds arrested for murder of 17-year-old: Sheriff's full press conference

The day after the sheriff of Polk County made a plea for help to find the suspects who "massacred" a high school student at a Bartow park, detectives announced two teenagers were arrested for murder.

During a press conference Wednesday, Sheriff Grady Judd said at least four Black males were involved in the shooting death of 17-year-old Taigur Taguri on Monday night. Judd said within 10 hours of the investigation starting, detectives were knocking on the door of one of the suspects, 16-year-old Jevon Berrien Jr., who lives on Gause Street in Bartow.

Also at the home was his cousin, 16-year-old Margus Johnson, who was also arrested.

The deadly shooting occurred when Taguri arrived at Gordon Heights Park with the intent of selling marijuana, Judd said.

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[whitemamba]

Dude committed battery on his own mother for searching his backpack. This tells you he doesn’t care about anyone, but himself. Pure trash yo.

[shirleys]

Love how straight up and non sugar-coated sherrif Judd puts things

[monkeyes]

We need a Sheriff like this everywhere.

[vinylrecordsundergroundclo]

This is sickening, they need to be tried as adults.

[cyl]

When I was in 11th grade, I was worried about getting my license, getting to my part-time job on time, and doing well in school.

[superdave]

As soon as he said that the kid was convicted of beating his mother you can just throw away the key.

[gregorysmith]

Myself an African American, I am exceedingly disappointed by the way my community has turned out - all the violence and other criminality. Black fathers need to stay out of prison and raise their children. I have a 12-year-old grandson that I am working day and night to steer in the right direction. I'm teaching him that he is known by the company he keeps, and that trouble is easy to get into but difficult, and sometimes impossible, to escape from.

[Redspeciality]

I was just there for the robbery. “Thank you and Congrats kid, guess you’ve never heard of the felony murder rule. Enjoy the next 20 years in prison!”

[countrygirlxo]

The kid that beat his mom definitely needs to be tried as an adult. He’s done this before he definitely will do it again. He doesn’t care who he hurts, even if it’s his own mom.

[chakrabeatz]

This sheriff is a real one. We need more like him. Logical, detailed and straight to the point.

[dianeangle]

Anyone who speaks AGAINST this Sheriff definitely has a long arrest record!!

[angelgraham]

I absolutely love to hear him speak about what is going on in his county. Keep up the great work.

[eyeswideopen]

I feel sorry for this Sheriff.... all he does is explain the most tragic of news but very very professional at his job.... respect to that Sheriff, the World needs Police like

[phil]

Damn this sheriff is good. That was fast.

[shannonlee]

17 years old... i have a 17 year old and i cannot even begin to know how this kids parents feel.. their damn heart must be beyond broken.. ugh

[teresamcdaniel]

The parents need to be held accountable. It is so sad that kids are killing kids and the parents don't give a damn.

[richardmorris]

Just like I said yesterday, about 24 hours.This guy knows his county.

[Gainn]

Why does anyone commit crimes in this dude's County?
It's just begging to be locked up.

[lanaranger]

What we truly need is more fathers like him
I can't see him not being a great father. No nonsense with love and care.

[JR-bjuf]

I was a juror on a trial with some nasty evidence. I got to talk to the judge after the trial and I asked "How you you keep your humanity after listening to the filth and the heart break every day. He said "I focus on the trial, and the points of law. "