Teen Basketball Star Fatally Shot In South Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A local high school basketball star is shot and killed in South Baltimore in what may be a tragic accident. Family and friends are mourning the loss of 18-year-old Marcus Harvell.
Monique Griego spoke with the family still seeking answers in his death.
On the court, jump shots made #12 Marcus Harvell a basketball star at Benjamin Franklin High School.
But off the court he was known for his smile and outgoing personality.
"He was a very remarkable young man," said his aunt, Corinthia Price. "He was motivated. He was a motivator."
Price says Harvell had big dreams, but all that was taken away Wednesday afternoon after he was shot in the chest and killed inside a Brooklyn Homes housing complex.
"The family is devastated. It's a little unreal," Price said.
Investigators say they're looking into the possibility that Harvell and a friend were playing with a gun.
So far no charges have been filed.
"They believe it was an accident, but right now the investigation still ongoing," Price said.
"It just seems like there's a lot of questions," said Cliff Reese, Harvell's AAU Summer League coach.
Reese came to offer support to Harvell's family at their home.
"I've only known Marcus since March," Reese said. "And I just fell in love with the kid the first time I met him."
Grief over Harvell's death has been widespread. Friends, classmates and teammates quickly showed an outpouring of support once news broke he'd been killed.
A Facebook page set up in Harvell's honor is now a place for his friends to mourn.
Things are even harder for his family. They're still trying to understand how this shining star was taken away so quickly.
"It's just really senseless," Price said.
Prosecutors say they're still waiting to hear from State Attorney's Office to find out if any charges will be filed.
Marcus Harvell would have been a senior next year at Benjamin Franklin High School. WJZ was told he was already being looked at by several colleges.
An account has been set up in Marcus Harvell's name. Donations can be sent to the TD Bank "In Memory of Marcus Harvell": Account number 4257026687.
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for next Saturday, July 30 at the Brooklyn Church of God. The wake will go from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral immediately following.
Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, and the repast will be held at the church's fellowship hall.
