Cold Case Solved: Florida Teen Shot by Brother in 2018

Cold Case Investigation and Arrest

• 🎯 A cold case unit, established in June 2023, reopened the 2018 homicide of 14-year-old Rex Honors IV, known as "Stuffy."
• 💡 Advances in cell phone technology and digital forensics were crucial in uncovering new evidence, including over 72,000 pieces of digital data from multiple phones.
• 🔍 Detective Gary Gross, a civilian investigator, and Detective Carden worked the case, conducting over 17 interviews and spending approximately 800 hours on the investigation.

The Night of the Murder

• 💥 On July 3rd, 2018, Stuffy was found deceased in his backyard with a single gunshot wound to the forehead.
• 🏠 A witness, Stuffy's 16-year-old brother (Rex Honors III), reported Stuffy missing hours after the incident, but initially did not disclose hearing a gunshot.
• 🔪 The suspect, Rex Honors III, confessed to shooting his brother at close range (2-4 inches) and subsequently cleaned the crime scene with rags and bleach.

Suspect's Actions and Evolving Evidence

• 📱 The suspect made calls to girlfriends attempting to create an alibi before reporting his brother missing, with one girlfriend noting he sounded upset and out of breath.
• 📹 Surveillance footage captured the suspect in a panic while making these calls, contradicting his claims of a burglary.
• 🔫 A video found on the suspect's phone, recorded hours before the murder, showed him and the victim with guns, with lyrics suggesting impending death.

Resolution and Family Impact

• ⚖️ The suspect, Rex Honors III, was arrested in Georgia, where he was already incarcerated for a stabbing incident.
• 🎤 Stuffy's mother shared heartfelt memories, describing him as a normal, happy 14-year-old who loved school and sports.
• 📌 The investigation brought closure to the family and gave Stuffy a voice, highlighting the dedication of the cold case unit and the impact of technological advancements in solving long-standing crimes.