Carlos Manuel Fuentes, 18, was shot and killed at a basketball court on Fred Conner Street in Avon Park, Florida, on the evening of November 25, 2024. Deputies arrived about 6:18 p.m. and found Fuentes on the ground; he was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigators say a vehicle pulled up on the grass beside the court, and Fuentes approached the driver’s side and spoke briefly with someone inside. During that interaction, 19-year-old passenger Eric Von Ferguson Jr. shot Fuentes, then fled and later discarded the firearm in a nearby lake. Ferguson was arrested at 1:17 a.m. on November 26 and charged with second-degree murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and destroying evidence. Authorities credit numerous anonymous tips sent through their smartphone app with helping secure the arrest. The motive is still under investigation as officials continue to interview witnesses.

If anyone saw the shooting or was at the court that evening, please share information that might explain what led to this death.