Marques Harris, a Baltimore resident, is set to appeal his conviction in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Carlos Carrazana-Ricardo, which occurred on November 26, 2023, during a Facebook Marketplace transaction that turned deadly. Harris, who was 18 at the time of the incident, was convicted in September 2024 of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and related charges. In March 2025, he was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years, with the first five years to be served without the possibility of parole. He is currently incarcerated at the Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland .

The Incident

On the evening of November 26, 2023, Carrazana-Ricardo and a friend traveled from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Baltimore to inspect a car listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The meeting took place in the 2700 block of Harlem Avenue. After deciding not to purchase the vehicle, the pair began to drive away. At that moment, gunfire erupted, and Carrazana-Ricardo was struck in the head. He was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he later died from his injuries .Investigators identified Harris as the seller of the vehicle through witness accounts and cellphone records. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, among other offenses .

The Trial and Sentencing

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Harris deliberately shot at the departing vehicle, resulting in Carrazana-Ricardo’s death. The defense acknowledged Harris’s involvement but emphasized his youth, noting that he was just 18 at the time of the incident. Defense attorney Judit Otvos urged the court to consider Harris’s age and potential for rehabilitation in sentencing.

Despite these arguments, Judge Levi S. Zaslow sentenced Harris to life in prison plus 10 years, with a recommendation for participation in a youth program. The first five years of his sentence are to be served without the possibility of parole .)

The Appeal

Harris’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the conviction and sentence. While specific grounds for the appeal have not been publicly disclosed, appeals in such cases often focus on potential procedural errors during the trial, questions about the admissibility of evidence, or arguments regarding the appropriateness of the sentence given the defendant’s age and background.

Broader Implications

The tragic outcome of this Facebook Marketplace transaction has raised concerns about the safety of online marketplace meetups. Law enforcement agencies recommend conducting such transactions in designated “safe exchange zones,” often located at police stations, to enhance security for both buyers and sellers.(WBAL)

As Harris’s appeal progresses, the case continues to serve as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with online transactions and the importance of taking precautions to ensure personal safety.