A 17-year-old Palatka teen has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting of a Palatka High School student Saturday night, according to the Palatka Police Department.
Officials said Montravien Oxendine, 17, of Palatka, was taken into custody and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and tampering with evidence following the shooting death of Lawrence Evans, 17, also of Palatka.
Oxendine is currently being held at the Juvenile Detention Center in Volusia County.
Officers responded to the 2500 block of West Main Street after receiving a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Evans suffering from a serious wound and aid was rendered at the scene.
Evans, who played football and ran track, was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital and later died.
“He was an amazing kid,” wrote one of his teachers in a Facebook post. “I loved his sweet spirit in my class and the endless smirk he shared with many! I will miss his hugs and fist bumps. My heart is broken for his family, friends and community. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten!”
School administrators addressed the killing in a statement.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Lawrence Evans, a 17-year-old student whose life was taken far too soon,” read a statment from the school. “He will be remembered for his brilliant smile and the light it brought to those around him, and our deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and all who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”
According to police, Oxendine was on scene with Evans at the time of the shooting.
Authorities have not said what led up to the incident or the relationship between the two teens.
