Full Measure After Hours: Florida Sheriff Cracks Down on Juvenile Crime

Episode Release Date: June 5, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Cheryl Akisson delves into the alarming rise of juvenile crime in the United States, with a particular focus on a harrowing case from Marion County, Florida. The episode features an in-depth interview with Sheriff Billy Woods, offering insights into the factors contributing to the surge in juvenile offenses and exploring potential solutions to this pressing societal issue.

Marion County's Triple Homicide Case

Cheryl Akisson sets the stage by recounting a gruesome incident that has shaken Marion County, Florida. Last year, six juveniles were involved in a violent plot that culminated in the execution-style murders of three of their peers. The motive reportedly stemmed from an attempted robbery aimed at funding marijuana purchases. Disturbingly, one of the perpetrators was as young as 12 years old. The victims were discovered over the span of a day and a half, with one young girl succumbing to her injuries after initially surviving the attack.

Interview with Sheriff Billy Woods

Sheriff Woods, a seasoned law enforcement officer with 34 years of experience, provides a critical analysis of the current juvenile crime trends.

Increased Juvenile Crime Rates

Sheriff Woods observes a steady increase in juvenile crimes over the years. He attributes this rise to a lack of accountability within the family unit and the educational system. "Sadely, juveniles are beginning to well know that there's no accountability to what they do to their actions," he explains (04:04). This sentiment is echoed by rising statistics: FBI data from 2020 showed a 30% increase in murders committed by juveniles and a staggering 65% rise in murders involving multiple juveniles. Local reports, such as a 329% increase in juvenile violent crime in Montgomery County, Maryland in 2023, further underscore the national scope of the issue.

Degradation of the Family Unit

Sheriff Woods emphasizes the deterioration of family structures as a fundamental cause of juvenile delinquency. He states, "the accountability and what else that I have seen and especially in the family unit is where we victimize the actual wrongdoer" (04:04). He criticizes parents who deflect responsibility for their children's actions, leading to a lack of proper discipline and guidance.

Failures in the Educational System

The sheriff also criticizes the modern educational approach to discipline, arguing that suspensions and expulsions are ineffective punishments for children. "What you do by preventing it is clean up the family in which that's probably the most difficult thing for us to do as a society," he asserts (07:07). He reminisces about stricter disciplinary measures from his own schooling days, suggesting that fear of parental punishment instilled a sense of accountability absent in today's youth.

Accountability and Legal Consequences

Contrary to the trend of leniency, Sheriff Woods advocates for holding juvenile offenders to the full extent of the law. He recounts the triple homicide case, highlighting the lack of remorse shown by the 12-year-old perpetrator: "I knew when you go to get after them, to discipline them or to get out what they did out of them, you can tell when the kid breaks" (19:32). Woods firmly believes that severe legal consequences, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty, are warranted for such grave offenses regardless of the offenders' ages.

Detailed Breakdown of the Triple Homicide

Sheriff Woods provides a meticulous account of the April triple homicide:

• Planning and Execution: The juveniles had planned an armed robbery, masking their identities to intimidate the victim. However, internal conflict emerged when one of the perpetrators sought to acquire the firearm for personal use, leading to the murder of the male juvenile victim (12:10).

• Witness Elimination: To eliminate a potential witness, one of the suspects instructed the 12-year-old involved to kill a female witness hiding in the trunk of the car. The sheriff notes, "They thought nothing of taking a human life" (14:09).

• Aftermath and Evidence: The bodies were subsequently disposed of in separate locations, with surveillance footage and digital evidence playing a crucial role in their apprehension.

Contributing Factors to Juvenile Delinquency

Sheriff Woods identifies several key factors contributing to juvenile crime:

1. Family Negligence: Lack of parental supervision and involvement in children's lives.
2. Peer Influence: Association with delinquent peers leading to poor decision-making.
3. Educational System Failures: Insufficient disciplinary measures fail to instill discipline and responsibility.
4. Lack of Accountability: Society's inability to hold juveniles accountable exacerbates the issue.

Proposed Solutions and Future Outlook

Addressing the rise in juvenile crime, Sheriff Woods emphasizes the need for societal change:

• Reinforcing Accountability: Strengthening the role of parents and the family unit in enforcing discipline and responsibility.

  "We need to hold parents more accountable. And because sometimes parents are parents want to be friends to their kids rather than to be a parent." (17:07)

• Educational Reforms: Implementing more effective disciplinary actions within schools to deter misconduct and foster a sense of responsibility.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement in youth programs to provide positive outlets and mentorship.

Sheriff Woods remains pessimistic about current trends unless significant changes are made. "If we don't change, it's only going to get worse," he warns (17:07). He underscores the urgency of addressing these root causes to prevent further escalation of juvenile crime.

Conclusion

Cheryl Akisson's episode sheds light on a critical and often overlooked issue: the surge in juvenile crime and its implications for society. Through the candid conversation with Sheriff Billy Woods, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted causes behind this trend and the dire need for comprehensive solutions. The episode serves as a call to action for communities, families, and policymakers to collaborate in reversing this disturbing trajectory.

Notable Quotes

• Sheriff Woods on accountability:

  "The accountability not just from any one particular entity... our home, our family unit has degraded." (04:04)

• On the emotional impact of juvenile offenders:

  "You can tell when the kid breaks. You can tell when your child knows they've done something wrong and they sincerely know that they've done something wrong as a parent." (19:32)

• On the necessity of legal consequences:

  "They deserve exactly what the law says they deserve in punishment because they have no regard, no concern for another human life." (21:29)

Further Exploration

For those interested in exploring this topic further, Cheryl Akisson recommends tuning into her other podcast episodes, including interviews with victims' family members and individuals who have experienced and overcome juvenile delinquency. Additionally, her upcoming coverage on December 3, 2025, explores the mysterious "Havana Syndrome," offering a scientific perspective on government-reported anomalies.

Supporting Independent Journalism

Cheryl Akisson encourages listeners to support independent journalism by visiting cherylatkisson.com, where they can purchase products that fund investigative reporting and initiatives like the ION Awards. Engaging with such content empowers individuals to think critically and stay informed on vital societal issues.