News Summary
Quanterria Bennett, 18, has been arrested as the last suspect in the murder of 14-year-old Micah Thomas, who was shot on New Year’s Day. Bennett is charged with second-degree murder and armed robbery, and her arraignment is set for August 4. Nine others have also been charged, with the case revealing significant details about a botched robbery attempt that led to the crime. The community remains hopeful for justice as investigations continue.
Jacksonville – Quanterria Bennett, an 18-year-old, has been arrested as the tenth and final suspect in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Micah Thomas. Bennett was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on July 11, 2025, following a warrant issued for her arrest on charges of second-degree murder and armed robbery.
Micah Thomas was tragically shot and killed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024. The shooting incident occurred around 6:11 p.m. on Castle Boulevard in Northern Jacksonville. Police officers were initially responding to a report of a home invasion robbery when they were alerted to the shooting occurring just two houses away from the initial call. Upon arrival, officers discovered Micah lying near the doorway of his home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was subsequently rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
In addition to Bennett, nine others have been charged in connection with the murder of Micah Thomas. The investigation into the incident by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office involved thorough reviews of Ring doorbell footage, capturing suspicious activities associated with two vehicles seen near the crime scene—a black sedan and a red/burgundy sedan. The suspects had reportedly plotted to rob Micah of guns, drugs, and money while gathering at the residence of Lamaya Gillis on New Year’s Day.
Details from the investigation revealed that a group of six individuals made a blunder by targeting the wrong house initially. After leaving Gillis’ home, they approached the incorrect location and quickly realized their mistake when a female scream emitted from within. They retreated and returned to Gillis’s home, but four suspects ultimately decided to proceed with the robbery attempt. Three of those suspects entered Micah’s house, where it is alleged that Emanuel Cuff fired the shots that killed Micah. Following the shooting, the suspects stole guns from the residence and fled the scene on foot, while two others returned to their vehicle to drive back to Gillis’s home.
Bennett has been identified specifically as the driver of the red/burgundy sedan that transported the group to the scene of the crime. Currently, she is being held without bond at the Duval County Jail. Her arraignment is scheduled for August 4 at the Duval County courthouse.
The investigation has seen significant progress since the initial tragedy, with the first three arrests occurring six months after Micah’s death. Among those apprehended were a 16-year-old and 23-year-old Isaiah Conner, who have also been charged with Micah’s murder. Additionally, Lamaya Gillis, age 20, faces charges as an accessory after the fact related to the murder. Emanuel Cuff, who was arrested on April 1, is also charged with murder and armed robbery, and was already in custody for unrelated charges when apprehended.
This case has affected the community deeply, with Micah’s family expressing gratitude for the dedicated efforts of law enforcement, particularly Detective Henry Rivers, who worked tirelessly to ensure justice for the young victim. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains hopeful for a resolution as the suspects are brought to justice for their roles in this tragic incident.
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- News4Jax: 10th Suspect Arrested in 14-Year-Old’s Murder
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- First Coast News: 10th Suspect Arrested in Micah Thomas Case
- Google Search: Micah Thomas case
- Action News Jax: Four Men Charged in 7-Year-Old Boy’s Death
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville murder 2024
- Jacksonville.com: 7-Year-Old Boy Killed in Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- WFLA: Two Teen Gunmen Arrested in 7-Year-Old’s Murder
- Google News: Jacksonville crime 2024
