Boy, 16, shot, killed in Titusville in dispute with teen, police say

Erien Dah'mir Jacquez Hampton, 17 charged with 1st-degree murder

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – Titusville police on Sunday arrested and charged a 17-year-old boy who they said shot and killed another teen in an ongoing feud.

Police identified the suspect as Erien Dah'mir Jacquez Hampton, of Titusville. He is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm.

Family members identified the victim as Johntrevean Tilly, 16. The shooting happened Sunday afternoon outside the victim's house on Third Street near Booker Street in Titusville.

Investigators said they are still working to learn more about the motive behind the feud.

"I’m going to miss him. I’m going to miss my baby," said Shameeka Kelly, Tilly's mother. "Nothing I say can bring my baby back, nothing."

Kelly told News 6 her son was the youngest of her five children. He went to Titusville High School.

She admitted her son wasn’t perfect, but was on the right track and recently found a carpentry job in the Job Corp.

"He just came in my room the other day and told me he wanted a job so he didn’t have to depend on me anymore," Kelly said. 

Todd Hutchinson, a deputy chief with the Titusville Police Department, said the shooting happened as Tilly was getting out of a vehicle near his home.

Titusville police eventually tracked down the 17-year-old suspect. Investigators said Hampton shot Tilly, then then ran away. 

"Based on numerous witness accounts, we were able to track the suspect down near Nova Terrace in Titusville," Hutchinson said. "The suspect has numerous charges, including the shooting and pointing a gun at a witness."

The victim's mother had a strong message Sunday night: "Guns are not the way. It’s not the way."

Counselors will be at Titusville High School Monday morning to offer support to any grieving students.


About the Author:

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

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