No bond for suspect in shooting that killed Lakeland 3-year-old

Staci DaSilva
·2 min read
5
No bond for suspect in shooting that killed Lakeland 3-year-old

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Polk County judge denied bond for a suspect who was arrested in connection with the shooting death of 3-year-old Jaquez “JD” Norton.

Kevarius Green, 30, is being held on two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He made his first court appearance in Polk County on Thursday.

“Held no bond,” the judge said.

‘Multiple rapid shots’: Neighbor describes Lakeland shootout that killed 3-year-old

Police said Green went with his attorney to turn himself in to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. Police are still looking for another man, Demarius Wilson, 22,  who is wanted in connection with the shooting.

Photo of 3-year-old Jaquez Norton courtesy of Yeisdelis Baez
Photo of 3-year-old Jaquez Norton courtesy of Yeisdelis Baez

“At least we have one. We still looking for the second one,” said Norton’s grandmother, Pilar Rivera.

Police allege Green shot the rifle that killed both Norton, who was in the backseat of a vehicle with his family, and Green’s alleged accomplice Kemarius Wilson, who was outside the vehicle.

Kemarius Wilson’s twin brother, Demarius, was believed to be the getaway driver. He remains at large.

‘They just started a fire’: 2 arrested after street takeover at busy Tampa intersection

“We very much suspect that he was the driver since the other two individuals got into the passenger side and the car took off. Car wasn’t driving itself,” Chief Sam Taylor said during a news conference last week.

There is no known motive for the shooting, though some people in the two groups are said to have known each other.

Wanted poster showed at a Lakeland Police news conference March 14, 2024
Wanted poster showed at a Lakeland Police news conference March 14, 2024

Green is also accused of shooting Robert Einzig, a man in the vehicle with Norton, in the leg.

Einzig is still recovering from his injuries, according to his family.

‘Large amount of rage’: Polk County man accused of infant’s manslaughter to stay jailed

“You have three families right now that are completely devastated, trying to figure out how to put these pieces together,” said Chris Einzig, Robert Einzig’s father. “All we want is justice for JD. So anybody out there can help us…please help us bring this last guy, Demarius in for justice.”

Demarius Wilson is said to have ties to Lakeland, Plant City and Orlando.

Anyone with information is urged by police to contact detectives at 863-834-6900.

People who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

  • Call 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)

  • From a cell phone, dial **TIPS

  • Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

  • Or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.