Middleburg Man Reflects on Friend’s Tragic Death at the Hands of 14-Year-Old Son

MIDDLEBURG, Fla — On Monday, 14-year-old Trevor Lee was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder after deputies said he shot and killed his parents.

First Coast News has learned that the father who was killed, David Lee, served in the U.S. Navy and was active in the local sports community.

Andrew Jeter met David Lee more than a decade ago while they were both stationed in Hawaii.  He described him as “amazing, hard worker, always dedicated, very respectful.”

Their friendship grew when they reconnected while living on the same street in Middleburg.  

“It was a surprise to see him here,” said Jeter. 

Jeter said Lee was an amazing father who coached his son’s football team and served as a Navy aviation electrician with pride.  

“He helped multiple other children that weren’t maybe as privileged,” said Jeter. “Giving them rides, helping them out on the teams, that type of stuff.”

When he saw flashing lights outside Lee’s home Monday, he knew something was wrong.

David Lee and his wife, Brandi Smith, had been shot.

“Complete shock, complete shock,” he said. “I was just in utter disbelief that it happened to him.”

Trevor Lee is now charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

Former federal prosecutor Curtis Fallgatter says a decision will soon be made on whether he’ll be charged as an adult.

“When you’re in the age of 14 and 15 and he’s in that bracket, there’s a criteria, about 16 different factors, the State Attorney’s Office looks at—vetted within the State Attorney’s Office,” said Fallgatter. “Of course, the most important criteria is what’s in the public’s interest. And I think the public interest is that children should not murder their parents.”

As the legal process begins, Jeter said the loss of his friend is sinking in for him and many others who knew David.

“He had a long career and impacted a lot of people, so I’m sure they’re in complete and utter shock as well.”

Trevor Lee remains in custody at the Duval County Juvenile Center. His next court date is scheduled for August 13 in Clay County.