Tragic Shooting in Largo: 18-Year-Old Jaden Hill Killed After Friend Allegedly Fires Gun Inside Parked Vehicle; No Drive-By Involved, Suspect Markus Carr Charged with Second-Degree Murder

LARGO, FL – What was initially believed to be a drive-by shooting has now been confirmed by law enforcement as an incident of deadly gun violence that took place within a stationary vehicle. The tragic death of 18-year-old Jaden Hill of Largo has left family, friends, and the wider community in mourning as new details emerged following a thorough investigation by local authorities.

According to the Largo Police Department, the fatal shooting occurred late in the evening on Saturday, April 12, shortly after 11:00 p.m. Officers responded to the scene at 2421 11th Street South following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Jaden Hill suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, Hill succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Initial witness accounts suggested that the gunfire may have come from a drive-by shooting. However, after collecting forensic evidence and reviewing surveillance footage, investigators concluded that the incident did not involve any external shooters. Instead, the gun was discharged inside the vehicle where Hill and another individual, 19-year-old Markus Carr, were seated.

Detectives learned that Carr was holding a handgun and pointing it playfully or provocatively while Hill was recording him with a cell phone. In what police now believe to be either a negligent or reckless act, Carr pulled the trigger, shooting Hill at close range. The handgun was fired while both young men were sitting in the vehicle, and no other parties were involved.

The investigation quickly turned toward Carr, who was taken into custody following the incident. After further questioning and a review of evidence, he was officially arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He is currently being held pending further legal proceedings.

Authorities are continuing to investigate how Carr came into possession of the firearm. It is not yet known whether the weapon was legally owned or if it was stolen. Detectives are pursuing leads to determine the origin of the gun, and additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of that investigation.

The case has shocked the Largo community and has reignited conversations around gun safety, youth violence, and the tragic consequences of reckless behavior involving firearms. Friends of Jaden Hill have taken to social media to remember him as a kind, funny, and spirited individual with dreams for the future that were cut short far too soon.

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless loss,” one classmate wrote. “Jaden had so much potential, and now we’re left asking why.”

Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public, especially young people, to take gun safety seriously and avoid mishandling weapons under any circumstances. Meanwhile, Jaden Hill’s family is preparing for a funeral service and has asked for privacy as they grieve the sudden loss of their beloved son.

Anyone with further information related to the incident or the weapon involved is encouraged to contact the Largo Police Department.