3 arrests linked to 14-year-old killed in New Year's Day shooting

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has made three arrests in connection with a 14-year-old who was shot and killed on New Year's Day in northwest Jacksonville.

Lt. Adam Blinn of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's homicide unit said officers were called to Castle Boulevard, near Soutel Drive and Sibbald Road, around 6:10 p.m. on Jan. 1 by neighbors who heard gunshots and then found a 14-year-old boy. Micah Thomas injured on the threshold of a house.

Blinn said when officers arrived, they found Thomas and performed CPR until Jacksonville Fire and Rescue paramedics arrived and took him to a local hospital, where he died.

Witnesses told detectives they heard gunshots and after finding him, they tried to help him and called police.

Investigators have identified three suspects. A 16-year-old and 23-year-old Isaiah Conner were arrested for Thomas' murder.

Lamaya Hillis, 20, was arrested for accessory after the fact in the victim's murder.

A week after Thomas' death, News4JAX spoke with his mother and grandmothers.

“A bright light, he has brought us together. He made sure his sister and brothers were always with him,” said Nina Smith, his grandmother.

She talked about the memories they shared.

“My heart sank every time I saw him,” Smith said. “I'm holding my breath, I'm out. He followed me to the car and said, “Let me show you what I can do.” Or he would come to my house and say, “Take out your phone and start recording, but I’ll run it all the way down the street for you.”

The three people arrested are awaiting their appearance in court while Thomas' family waits for justice.