-- Six people were arrested this week and accused of luring a 15-year-old boy to a Florida home, shooting him several times, burning his body in a fire pit and putting the remains into paint cans, authorities said.
The killing occurred Sunday in the central Florida city of Ocala, according to a statement from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Two females in the group allegedly lured the victim, Seath Jackson, to the home and the group beat him with a wooden object. He was then shot several times with a .22 caliber gun, authorities said.
As the wounded teen attempted to flee, he was tackled and shot again, according to the sheriff's statement. His body was allegedly placed in a sleeping bag and burned in a fire pit outside the home.
His ashes were placed into several paint containers and thrown into a large garbage can, authorities said.
Authorities said they learned of the alleged plot from a member of the group who confessed to witnessing the killing.
Four adults and two minors were charged in connection with the killing.
Michael Bargo, 18; Charlie Kay Ely, 18; Justin Soto, 20, and two minors face first-degree murder charges, Marion County Sheriff's Office said.
And James Haven, 37, faces charges of accessory to the crime for allegedly helping to dispose Jackson's remains and driving one of the suspects out of the area to avoid arrest, authorities said.
Sheriff's department documents gave little information on what caused the killing other than brief statements by suspects about a dispute and a growing hatred.
Soto's public defender, Bill Miller, would not comment on the case. Ely is not represented by an attorney and Bargo will make his first appearance Thursday morning, according to Marion County courts.
Haven, who is not represented by an attorney, posted a $10,000 bond and was released Wednesday morning.
The two minors involved in the case are currently being represented by public defenders, who could not comment.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Thursday, April 21st 2011 at 7:38AM
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