A young man was shot and killed during an annual Easter event in Highlands County on Sunday, deputies say.
Highlands County deputies say 20-year-old Markie Kelajawan McCray was shot Sunday night during the annual Easter gathering in Highway Park. McCray died at Tampa General Hospital Monday morning.
Hundreds of people from Highlands County and nearby areas gather in Highway Park every year on Easter night. Deputies were already at this year’s event Sunday night working crowd control when they found out about the shooting around 11:15.
Deputies were able to respond within minutes. By the time they got to the scene, they say McCray was already being taken to Advent Health Lake Placid in a private vehicle. He was later flown to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
The sheriff’s office has not made any arrests in connection with the shooting and did not mention any suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mike Parker at (863) 402-7250. You can also email information to detectives@highlandssheriff.org.
Anonymous tips can be left with Heartland Crime Stoppers and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. You can submit a Crime Stoppers tip by calling 1-800-226-TIPS or visiting heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
