The Poppy Park Easter egg hunt shooting was a shootout on April 9, 2023, between 38-year-old Jamal Watson and 17-year-old Tristan Morgan on Lescot Lane in Orlando’s Carver Shores neighborhood, next to an unpermitted Easter egg hunt. Both men were killed, and a stray round fatally wounded 33-year-old Patriza Deterville, who was sitting on a porch across the street. Two other women on that porch were also shot.
What Happened on Lescot Lane
Around 7 p.m., Jamal Kareme Watson was driving a purple Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder past Poppy Park when he encountered Tristan Morgan, who was walking with a group of friends on the sidewalk.1WESH. Orlando Easter Egg Hunt Shooting Police said the two appeared to recognize each other. Morgan walked up to the driver’s side of the car, a brief verbal exchange followed, and both men drew firearms and began shooting at each other at nearly the same moment.2ClickOrlando. Orlando Police to Provide Update on Deadly Easter Shootings Both were struck and killed. Watson went by the nickname “Mally 2X.”3Gun Memorial. Jamal Kareme Watson Morgan’s age was reported as 17 in the Orlando Police Department’s official account on April 12, though earlier reports had listed him as 16.4Orlando Sentinel. Police Give Updates on Easter Shootings That Killed 7 People in Poppy Park, Parramore
The Bystanders Across the Street
The gunfire crossed Lescot Lane and hit three women sitting on a porch on the north side of the street. None had any connection to the dispute or to the Easter egg hunt. Patriza Deterville, 33, was fatally wounded and died the next day, April 10.5Fox 35 Orlando. Innocent Woman Shot, Killed in Gunfire Exchange Between Man and Teen at Poppy Park One of the two surviving women was hospitalized in critical condition; the other had non-life-threatening injuries and was released the same night.4Orlando Sentinel. Police Give Updates on Easter Shootings That Killed 7 People in Poppy Park, Parramore A relative told reporters the critically wounded woman was a mother of two.6WESH. Orlando Poppy Park Shooting Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said the women on the porch were “not involved in the argument” and “not associated at all with the events inside of Poppy Park.”1WESH. Orlando Easter Egg Hunt Shooting
The Unsanctioned Easter Egg Hunt
Poppy Park is a small community park in Carver Shores. The Easter egg hunt that evening had not been permitted through the city and had been advertised on TikTok.4Orlando Sentinel. Police Give Updates on Easter Shootings That Killed 7 People in Poppy Park, Parramore Families with children filled the park, which had a bounce house and plastic eggs on the ground.6WESH. Orlando Poppy Park Shooting The gathering was still active when the shooting began on the street alongside it. At the April 12 press conference, Chief Smith urged organizers to use the city permit system. “If you’re going to have an event like that, we have a permit system. Just let us know,” he said. “Contact the Orlando Police Department… we will provide extra security.”7Spectrum News 13. Orlando Police Chief to Provide Updates on Easter Weekend Shootings
What Police Found
Investigators concluded the altercation between Watson and Morgan was not gang-related, though the specific cause of their argument remained unclear.1WESH. Orlando Easter Egg Hunt Shooting Police also identified a third shooter at the scene, a woman who was cooperating with investigators. Her firearm was recovered, but she was not arrested, and detectives said they would forward the case to the State Attorney’s Office to decide whether to file charges.5Fox 35 Orlando. Innocent Woman Shot, Killed in Gunfire Exchange Between Man and Teen at Poppy Park Police said all individuals involved were accounted for and that they were not seeking additional suspects.2ClickOrlando. Orlando Police to Provide Update on Deadly Easter Shootings
What Changed at Poppy Park After the Shooting
Orlando City Commissioner Bakari Burns approved the installation of surveillance cameras at Poppy Park with a live feed to the police department.8Fox 35 Orlando. Orlando Police Chief Asking for Public’s Help in Stopping Gang Activity Chief Smith announced increased patrols in the neighborhood, community meetings, and a program to give residents free doorbell cameras. The city also promoted “Orlando Connect,” a registry that lets residents with private security cameras share footage with police.