An 18-year-old high school senior was fatally shot after a Facebook Marketplace transaction went wrong. The incident occurred on November 26, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland’s Mosher neighborhood. Carlos Carrazana Ricardo, along with a companion, traveled approximately 80 miles from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Baltimore for the purpose of buying a 2006 Acura TL advertised on the platform.
Ricardo, who had moved to the United States from Cuba just last year and was a senior at J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, had a keen interest in cars and football. Upon inspecting the vehicle, he chose not to go through with the purchase.
When Ricardo and his friend started to depart the 2800 block of Harlem Avenue, where the meeting took place, gunfire erupted. Ricardo suffered a head wound from one of the bullets. Despite his friend’s attempt to get assistance, Ricardo succumbed to his injuries shortly after at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
The police’s investigation identified Marques Harris, 18, as the car seller. Ricardo’s friend identified Harris during the investigation. A search warrant at Harris’ residence led to the discovery of a Glock 9mm handgun, among other evidence.
In his interaction with the detectives, Harris admitted he and his brother were the car’s sellers. He stated they heard gunshots after the deal fell through and left the area with his brother. Surveillance footage showed the vehicle used by Harris and his brother departing the area just a minute after the shots were picked up by ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection technology.
Harris has been taken into custody and is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and various gun-related offenses. His preliminary hearing is set for January 3.
The passing of Ricardo has left a profound mark on his school community. Dr. Justin Reese, the principal of J.P. McCaskey High School, spoke about the significant loss and asked the school community to remember Ricardo’s family, friends, and the school in their thoughts during this challenging period.