An arrest has been made in the slaying of a teenager who was a longtime member of a mentorship program at a prominent church in The Villages.
Terell Shamar Lynum, 20, of Ocala, is being held without bond on a charge of homicide following his arrest Thursday night by Wildwood police
Lynum has been charged in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old David Lyons Jr., a senior and football player at South Sumter High School.
Police have released only scant information about Lynum’s arrest and continue to look for information that might lead them to others involved in the shooting which took place Monday at the intersection of Missouri Avenue and North Warfield Avenue in Wildwood. A $5,000 reward had been announced Thursday in connection with the case.
Lyons was remembered Thursday night during a large gathering of friends and family. There were signs at the gathering calling to, “Stop the Gun Violence.” His father, David Lyons, has denounced the violence that took his son’s life.
Lyons had been a senior in the New Covenant United Methodist Church Mentor Program. He had been involved in the program since 8th grade. He was also a temporary staff member at New Covenant United Methodist Church’s Lake Deaton campus.
“He was an amazing young man. Please pray for comfort for his family and friends and for a stop to this type of senseless loss,” the church said in a statement.
In addition to homicide, Lynum is charged with robbery and possession of marijuana.
The Wildwood Police Department is continuing to seek information from the public as the investigation continues into Lyons’ death. If anyone has information regarding Lyons’ death, they are asked to contact Detective D. Clarkson at (352) 661-0888 or [email protected] and reference case number WWPD20OFF000378. Those with information can also call Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)