(Sumter County, FL) Last week, 19-year-old Alexander Warren Hernandez entered an open plea to the court before Judge Charles L.W. Helm, pleading no contest, in the case against him. Hernandez is charged with Premeditated First-Degree Murder for the death of 15-year-old Connor Michael Gill, as well as Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Weapon, Burglary of a Dwelling while Armed, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

After a brief discussion with his attorney, Hernandez entered the open plea in lieu of going to trial. Because the defendant entered an open plea, his sentence will be imposed by the Court after the Judge hears argument from both the State and Defense.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 8, 2027.  

“This was a vicious and senseless act of violence that forever changed the lives of those involved. The victims were attacked with sickles in a horrifying act of brutality, with one of them tragically losing their life,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “The trauma, pain, and devastation inflicted by this crime cannot be overstated. No one should have to endure such violence, especially in an act fueled by anger and aggression. Our thoughts remain with the victim who lost their life, the second victim forever scarred, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this horrific crime.”

The case against Hernandez began on June 1, 2024, when Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies were dispatched to a residence off County Road 148 in Wildwood, after receiving a call in reference to a stabbing.

When officers arrived, they located two victims inside the home’s front doorway with multiple lacerations. The first victim, later identified as Connor, was lying unresponsive on his stomach with a large laceration from his shoulder all the way down his spine. The second victim, who was on the floor near the first victim, had a laceration to their shoulder/arm area.  Villages Fire Rescue was on scene and provided first aid to both victims prior to transporting them for further medical treatment. Despite being airlifted for treatment, Connor later succumbed to his injuries.

Witnesses inside the residence informed law enforcement that the attacker was (then) 16-year-old Alexander Hernandez. Hernandez was the ex-boyfriend of one of the individuals who resided in the home and was familiar with both victims and witnesses there. Witnesses stated the defendant attempted to kick in the front door, at which time Connor opened the door.  Hernandez immediately struck the victim with the sickle.

Hernandez then entered the home, walking towards the bedrooms. The second victim, hearing the commotion, exited another room into the hallway where the defendant was. Hernandez then struck the second victim with one of the sickles before leaving the residence.

Authorities then attempted to locate Hernandez at his home, where he resided with his great-grandmother. The defendant, who wasn’t home, was called via phone by his grandmother. Deputies listening to the call heard the defendant crying and saying, “I messed up, I hurt them, I did something bad.” Law enforcement was able to determine a location for Hernandez through the call. The defendant was located off County Road 44, still in possession of the sickles used during the crime. He was taken into custody. The sickles were collected and processed for DNA evidence by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which confirmed a mixture of DNA from both victims.

SCSO Inspector Trent Tracy interviewed the defendant, who stated he had ordered the sickles from Amazon and received them earlier in the day before walking six miles to the victims’ home. The defendant informed Inspector Tracy that he planned to “kill all of them” at the house because he was in pain from his recent breakup. Hernandez was arrested and charged accordingly.

Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Donald McCathran successfully prosecuted this case on behalf of the victims involved and their families.  

Published on 11/02/2026.