12-year-old in Jax charged with "random" murder of homeless man

A 12-year-old has been arrested for the “horrible spontaneous murder” of a 54-year-old homeless man in Jacksonville.

Police tell us 12-year-old Sharron Townsend shot Thomas Trent one time in the head at a parking lot on 103^rd Street between Ricker and Firestone. It happened on June 28^th, and police released a surveillance video from a nearby business soon after which helped lead them to a 16-year-old who was with Townsend. That teen was arrested for an unrelated robbery charge and soon gave up Townsend in connection to the shooting.

JSO says the suspect and victim did not know each other and this appears to have been a random act of violence. There was no robbery or other motive apparent.

JSO says the gun used has not been located, but Townsend has admitted to the crime.

WOKV reached out to the State Attorney’s Office to see whether Townsend will be tried as an adult or juvenile- he is currently booked as a juvenile. We also asked what specific murder charge the office will pursue and the potential penalty.  The State Attorney’s Office says they are not commenting at this time.