18-Year-Old Accused in Starkey Park Shooting

A Pinellas County 18-year-old has been charged with second degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting in a New Port Richey area park.

Marcus Yulvaughne Wilson was drinking with Christopher Ashton Martin, an acquaintance, at a camp site in Starkey Park over the weekend, according to a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

He passed out on a picnic table and woke up Sunday around 1 a.m., and discovered Martin was performing a sex act on him, according to the arrest report.

Wilson told a detective he lost his temper and kicked Martin, whose 30th birthday was Sunday, in the back, knocking him to the ground. Wilson stated he picked up a .380 Taurus pistol as the Martin again approached, and then he shot him. Martin died.

Wilson cleaned up the camp site, covered the body in a sleeping bag and then left in the deceased’s vehicle, according to the arrest report. He told a detective he took Martin’s wallet and used $40 from it to pay for gas.

Deputies started investigating the body, which was found near a picnic table, around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Martin’s wallet, vehicle and gun were found at Wilson’s apartment, 15759 Avalon Avenue, Apt. A, Clearwater.

Wilson was arrested and charged Sunday. He is being held without bond in the Land O' Lakes jail.

Wilson is a student at Mavericks High of North Pinellas County, a charter school in Largo that serves high school dropouts and students at risk of dropping out.