Lawrence Evans, a beloved resident of Palatka, Florida, has died on Saturday, January 3, 2026, following a fatal shooting near his home. The 17-year-old student and athlete was gunned down on a Saturday evening in his community, an incident that has led to the arrest of another teenager.
The incident occurred around 8:35 p.m. in the 2500 block of West Main Street in the Lemon Heights neighborhood. Officers with the Palatka Police Department responded to reports of a subject who had been shot. Upon arrival, they found Evans suffering from a serious gunshot wound. First aid was administered at the scene before he was rushed to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. The police were notified of his death at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.
At the scene with Evans was another 17-year-old, Montravien Oxendine, also of Palatka. Palatka police determined Oxendine was responsible for the shooting. He was arrested and charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Tampering with Evidence. The nature of the relationship between the two teens and the precise circumstances that led to the gunfire have not been publicly released by authorities, who state the investigation remains active. Oxendine is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center in Volusia County.
Lawrence Evans was a well-known and well-liked student at Palatka Junior-Senior High School, where he was a talented athlete on the football and track teams. The school community was heartbroken by his loss, releasing a statement that he was “taken far too soon”. Faculty remembered him for his brilliant smile and the light he brought to those around him.
“He was an amazing kid,” wrote one of his teachers in a social media tribute that was widely shared. “I loved his sweet spirit in my class and the endless smirk he shared with many! I will miss his hugs and fist bumps. My heart is broken for his family, friends and community. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten!”. Another community member described him as a well-mannered and respected student who excelled in sports and was mourned by the entire school.
The Palatka Police Department continues to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Alisha Burger at 386-937-1472. The tragic death of Lawrence Evans has left a profound void in his family, his school, and the wider Palatka community.
