An 18-year-old high school senior was fatally shot after a Facebook Marketplace transaction went bad. This tragic event took place on November 26, 2023, in the Mosher neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. Carlos Carrazana Ricardo and his friend, having driven roughly 80 miles from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, arrived in Baltimore intending to buy a 2006 Acura TL seen on the online platform.
A native of Cuba who had immigrated to the U.S. last year, and a senior at J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Ricardo had a strong passion for cars and football. After evaluating the car, he decided against purchasing it.
As Ricardo and his friend began to exit the area at the 2800 block of Harlem Avenue, shots rang out, and Ricardo was hit in the head. His friend’s quick efforts to find help were in vain, as Ricardo later died from his injuries at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
The police investigation pointed to Marques Harris, 18, who was identified by Ricardo’s friend as the individual selling the car. Executing a search warrant at Harris’ home led to the discovery of a Glock 9mm handgun and other items.
Harris, during his statement to detectives, acknowledged his and his brother’s role in selling the car. He claimed they heard gunshots after canceling the sale and promptly left the vicinity. However, surveillance footage revealed the vehicle used by Harris and his brother leaving just a minute after the shots were detected by ShotSpotter, a system for detecting gunshots.
Arrested and now facing charges, Harris is accused of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and multiple gun-related crimes. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 3.
Ricardo’s untimely death has deeply affected his school community. The principal of J.P. McCaskey High School, Dr. Justin Reese, expressed the community’s deep sorrow and asked for thoughts for Ricardo’s family, friends, and the school in these trying times.
