Daytona Beach Teen's Viral Interview After Throat Slashed Gains Online Attention

A 13-year-old boy's interview after a violent throat slashing has become a viral sensation online. His calm reaction is surprising many viewers.
By Newsroom | Crime, Local News |

A 13-year-old boy, who recently survived a violent throat-slashing incident, has become an unexpected internet sensation. His appearance alongside his mother in a live news interview discussing the traumatic event has garnered significant attention online, with many finding his candid responses notable. The interview has resonated with viewers, sparking discussions and widespread sharing across social media platforms.

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Incident Overview and Media Coverage

The 13-year-old, identified as Sullivan Clarke, sustained a near-fatal neck injury on February 14, while reportedly walking with his parents on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. He was attending the Daytona 500 event with his family. The attack involved a sharp object, leaving a significant gash that required 13 stitches. Surveillance video allegedly shows a man, identified as Jermaine Lynn Long, slashing Clarke's neck.

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Timeline of Events

  • February 10: Jermaine Lynn Long was released from jail, having been paroled for murder. This occurred four days prior to the attack on Sullivan Clarke.

  • February 14: Sullivan Clarke was attacked on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. He was reportedly looking at his phone at the time of the incident.

  • Date of Interview: An interview with Sullivan Clarke and his mother was broadcast live, leading to widespread online attention.

  • March 10: This date is noted as Jermaine Lynn Long's next court appearance.

Victim's Condition and Family's Response

Sullivan Clarke is reported to be "doing well, considering" the severity of his injuries. His family has spoken out about the ordeal. His father described the wound as deep enough to "peer inside." His mother, Lori, recounted the shock of seeing the attack, noting she "never imagined he would reach for Sully's throat."

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The family has also expressed concerns regarding law enforcement's handling of the suspect. They state that Jermaine Lynn Long had prior encounters with law enforcement on the day of the attack and had been released twice. Records indicate Long is a registered sex offender with a history of offenses, including sexual assault of a minor, and had recently been released from parole. The family has stated that law enforcement could "do better" in such situations.

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The Viral Interview

The interview, conducted with Sullivan Clarke and his mother, gained traction due to the teen's demeanor and responses. While recounting the traumatic event, Clarke appeared somewhat uncomfortable but offered responses that were perceived by some as notably "blasé" or "hilarious." When asked about feeling changed by the experience, his reply was observed to be nonchalant. This reaction, juxtaposed with the severity of the attack, contributed to the interview's viral spread. Some viewers noted his mother's interaction, observing that he seemed concerned about his mother revealing he was crying and having nightmares.

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Key Interview Details

  • Setting: Live news interview with Sullivan Clarke and his mother.

  • Teen's Demeanor: Described as visibly uncomfortable, yet offering candid and sometimes unexpected responses.

  • Online Reaction: The interview quickly became a viral sensation, with social media users sharing clips and commenting on Clarke's reactions.

Jermaine Lynn Long is accused of the slashing. Surveillance video is cited as evidence linking him to the attack. Long's legal history includes multiple felony cases in Volusia County and he was on parole for murder at the time of the incident. He had been encountered by Daytona Beach officers twice on the day of the attack but was not arrested due to insufficient evidence at the time. His attorney has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

  • Alleged Attacker: Jermaine Lynn Long.

  • Charges: Accused of slashing Sullivan Clarke's neck.

  • Legal Status: Registered sex offender, on parole for murder, and with previous felony charges.

  • Next Court Date: March 10.

Evidence Presented

  • Witness Accounts: Statements from Sullivan Clarke's parents detailing the attack and his injuries.

  • Medical Records: Information regarding the 13 stitches required for the throat wound.

  • Surveillance Footage: Alleged video capturing Jermaine Lynn Long slashing the victim's neck.

  • Legal Records: Documentation of Jermaine Lynn Long's criminal history, parole status, and prior encounters with law enforcement.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the interview with Sullivan Clarke from Daytona Beach going viral?
A 13-year-old boy named Sullivan Clarke, who survived a throat-slashing attack on February 14 in Daytona Beach, gave a live TV interview. His calm and somewhat unexpected reactions to the traumatic event have made the interview widely shared online.
Q: What happened to Sullivan Clarke on February 14 in Daytona Beach?
Sullivan Clarke was walking with his parents on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk during the Daytona 500 event when a man allegedly slashed his throat. The injury required 13 stitches.
Q: Who is accused of attacking Sullivan Clarke on Daytona Beach?
Jermaine Lynn Long is accused of slashing Sullivan Clarke's throat. He was on parole for murder and had prior encounters with police on the day of the attack but was not arrested.
Q: What is the condition of Sullivan Clarke after the attack?
Sullivan Clarke is reported to be doing well, considering the serious nature of his throat injury. His family has expressed that he is recovering but also experiencing nightmares.
Q: What did Sullivan Clarke's family say about the attack and law enforcement?
Sullivan Clarke's parents described the shock of the attack. They also stated that law enforcement could have done more, as the suspect had been encountered by police twice on the day of the incident and released.