Family seeks justice for teen found dead in Suwannee River

WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB)- The family of 18-year-old William Powell “Junior,” is calling for justice after he was found dead in a car in the Suwannee River in May of 2025.

Two arrests have been made, and his family is hoping Junior’s story can prevent future tragedies.

“He always took care of us,” Junior’s younger sister said.

His stepmother, Stormy Powell, says she will never understand why she lost him.

“That’s your worst nightmare,” she said. “It still doesn’t seem real, it still doesn’t seem real.”

Cameron Fine, 18, was charged with second-degree murder in connection to Powell’s death.

Josh Daniel, who relatives say was an adopted member of the Powell family, is charged as an accessory to murder.

Court records say all three were riding in a car together when Fine shot Powell with a handgun in 2025.

Deputies say Fine and Daniel then placed Powell in a car and brought him to Wayside Park in White Springs. Records say Fine and Daniel were spotted leaving the car in the water and running away to a truck.

Family and friends gathered at the scene almost one year later.

Junior’s stepmother said she’s familiar with both suspects.

“He never seen it coming and those boys, he thought those boys were his friends,” she said.

She is calling for the maximum sentence.

“All and all these boys deserve the... Cameron deserves no less than life and Josh deserves no less than 20 years and that’s maxed out on both charges,” she said.

She hopes this tragedy can serve as a cautionary tale for other teens.

“Be careful who you surround yourself with, not everyone’s your friend,” she said.

Family members say Powell was their rock and hope that everyone can remember the positive impact he made on those around him.

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