On the evening of Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 18-year-old Markell B. Jackson was shot at Huber Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire at about 7:30 p.m. and found Markell with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital and later died. Markell had graduated from LaGrange High School four days earlier and planned to study welding at SOWELA Technical College; he played football and basketball and was remembered by his community as respectful and genuine.

Investigators reviewed area surveillance footage and identified a suspect. The sheriff’s office obtained a warrant for 18-year-old Demontoriyuana Charles of Lake Charles charging second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, and illegal use of a weapon; bond was set at $680,000. Authorities said more arrests were possible and appealed for information on Charles’ whereabouts.

If anyone has information about that night or Markell’s killing, please share what is known with investigators.