A tragic incident claimed the life of Lawrence Evans, a vibrant 17-year-old student whose bright smile and kind heart touched everyone at Palatka Junior-Senior High School and throughout his Florida community. The shooting happened on the evening of Saturday, January 3, 2026, in the 2500 block of West Main Street in Palatka.
Police responded quickly to reports of gunfire, finding Lawrence with serious gunshot wounds. Emergency crews rushed him to a nearby hospital, later transferring him to UF Health in Gainesville for advanced care, but despite the medical team’s best efforts, he passed away just hours later. The sudden loss at such a young age has left his family, friends, and school reeling from the unimaginable pain.
At the scene, authorities arrested another 17-year-old, Montravien Oxendine, charging him in connection with the shooting. The Palatka Police Department, with support from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office, continues to investigate the circumstances. Details remain limited as the process unfolds, but the arrest has brought a measure of accountability amid the profound grief sweeping through this town.
Lawrence was the kind of teenager who lit up any room he entered. Teachers remembered him as “an amazing kid” with a sweet spirit and an endless smirk that brought joy to classmates and staff alike. He was well-known and deeply liked at Palatka Junior-Senior High School, where his brilliant smile warmed the lives of friends, family, and everyone around him. Always ready with a hug or a fist bump, he had a way of making people feel seen and valued, building connections that felt genuine and lasting.
On the field, Lawrence shone as a talented athlete, contributing his energy and skill to both the football and track teams. He approached sports with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything, earning admiration from coaches and teammates for his dedication and positive attitude. Those who knew him best saw a young man full of potential, someone who embraced life with openness and warmth.
As students returned to class just days after the tragedy, the school community came together in mourning. Staff posted heartfelt messages of condolence, acknowledging the heartbreak and offering support during this difficult time. The outpouring of love from classmates, teachers, and neighbors reflects how deeply Lawrence was cherished, a testament to the many lives he enriched in his 17 years.
Though gone far too soon, Lawrence Evans leaves behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and connection that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. His smile, his spirit, and the countless small moments of warmth he shared will continue to inspire the Palatka community as they heal and remember a truly remarkable young man.