A 16-year-old boy from Beech Grove, Indiana, is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting and killing an 18-year-old woman during a botched drug deal.
Emanuel Carter, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, has been charged with murder and robbery. The tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2024, and has left the community in shock.
The Drug Deal Gone Wrong
According to court records, the victim, Makayla Baumn, and her younger brother drove to an apartment complex in Beech Grove to sell marijuana to Carter.
However, things quickly turned violent when Carter and another individual approached the car with guns drawn. One of them allegedly shouted, “Give me everything! Do you want to die?”
In an attempt to escape the dangerous situation, Bauman’s brother reversed the car, but Carter reportedly opened fire. Makayla was struck by a bullet in the chest. As her brother tried to drive her to the hospital, he noticed her fading and pulled over.
Officers arrived on the scene to find the brother attempting to tend to Makayla’s injury. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, but she later died from her wounds.
The Investigation
Detectives learned that Bauman’s brother and Carter were classmates at Beech Grove High School. While the brother was unsure of the identity of the second shooter, police later identified him as Carter’s brother. At this point, authorities have not indicated whether Carter’s brother will face any charges.
Carter, however, reportedly told detectives that he and his brother were the victims of a robbery and claimed that one of the people in the car had pulled out a weapon. But police found no evidence to support that claim, as neither Bauman nor her brother were armed.
Furthermore, another witness reported that Carter had previously mentioned plans to “rob a white boy of some marijuana,” which helped investigators build their case.
The Charges
Following the investigation, Emanuel Carter was arrested the day after the shooting. On Monday, prosecutors filed charges against him in adult court for murder and robbery. This decision to charge Carter as an adult came after a review of the case and the severity of the charges.
Remembering Makayla Bauman
Makayla Bauman’s obituary paints a picture of a young woman full of life and promise. Described as “vibrant” and “outgoing,” she was known for her warm personality that lit up every room she entered.
Makayla was also remembered for her intelligence and compassion, always making sure there was never a dull moment with her friends and family.
Her tragic death has left a deep impact on the Beech Grove community, who will remember her for the joy she brought into the lives of those around her.
The shooting of Makayla Bauman is a heartbreaking example of how a seemingly routine drug deal can quickly spiral into violence. The loss of such a young life has sparked grief in her community, and the charges against Emanuel Carter show how serious the consequences are when violence is used in situations involving drugs.
As the case progresses, many are left wondering how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
