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14-year-old suspect arrested in connection with fatal shooting of Titusville teen, police say

Mercutio Nicholias Burford, 17, was shot and killed near a Titusville bike trail

Laneitri L Rollins, 14, was booked in a juvenile detention center Friday. (Florida Department of Juvenile Justice)

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – A 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody Friday in connection with a shooting on a Titusville bike trail that left a 17-year-old dead, police said.

The Titusville Police Department said Mims teen Laneitri L Rollins is facing a first-degree murder charge associated with the fatal shooting of Mercutio Nicholias Burford Wednesday afternoon.

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The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. near 1100 N. Washington Avenue, according to investigators.

Police said the 17-year-old victim was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died hours later.

Based on investigative evidence, police said “this was not a random crime” and Rollins knew the victim.

According to officers, they then located and arrested Rollins around 1:30 p.m. Friday near the 400 block of North Dixie Highway.

The suspect was transported to the Brevard County Juvenile Detention Center Friday evening, the department said.

This is a developing story and an ongoing investigation. Check back here for updates.


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