Sumter County

‘Brutal and senseless’: Sumter County deputies ask for help finding person who shot, killed 2 teens

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Sumter County deputies said they believe the two teenagers who were found dead on the side of a road on Wednesday may have been shot and killed by someone they knew.

Cpt. Jon Galvin said the bodies of Isaiah Nelson, 17, of Wildwood, and Prestin Nixon, 16, were found on the side of County Road 219 south of County Road 44A after 5 a.m. Wednesday.

READ: Homicide investigation underway after 2 teens found dead along Sumter County road

Galvin called their deaths a “brutal and senseless” murder.

“These two young men have been robbed of their chance to live their lives, having been senselessly taken from their families,” he said.

READ: Medical examiner reveals cause of death after Florida boy, 14, accused of killing girl, 13

Glavin said Nelson had friends and family who attended Wildwood Middle High and Elementary. He said grief counselors are on campus to support any students in need.

Galvin said he believes the teens may have known the person who shot and killed them and is asking for the community’s assistance to help them identify the shooter.

READ: Coronavirus: CDC eases mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated Americans

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621, or to remain anonymous, Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Captain Jon Galvin updating the homicide case from yesterday. Please note the Prestin Nixon's name was misspelled in yesterday's release. The correct spelling is as listed above.

Posted by Sumter County Sheriff's Office-Florida on Thursday, May 13, 2021
Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.