Ayden Amere Russo, 16, was found dead in the backyard of a residence on Louise Avenue in Knoxville in the early hours of March 24, 2025. He had sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Family remembered him as a bright presence and a talented athlete who played basketball and football.

The Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit reported numerous shell casings at the scene. Investigators identified suspects and announced arrests on April 14, 2025: Jaylyn Hudson and Jayden Conwell were charged with first-degree murder. According to an arrest report, Conwell told detectives he and two others had arranged to buy something from Ayden and parked behind his house; Conwell said Hudson exited the vehicle with an AR pistol before gunfire erupted. Ayden was found with a single gunshot wound to the chest.

If anyone knew Ayden, saw him on or before March 24, 2025, or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.