An Indiana teenager is facing adult charges following a deadly shooting that took the life of an 18-year-old during a drug transaction gone wrong in Beech Grove, a suburb of Indianapolis.
Authorities say 16-year-old Emanuel Carter, who was only 15 when the shooting occurred, has been charged with murder and robbery in connection with the September 29, 2024, death of Makayla Bauman. The incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a marijuana deal involving Bauman and her younger brother.
According to court documents and a probable cause affidavit obtained by WXIN and the Indianapolis Star, Bauman and her brother drove to a local apartment complex to meet Carter for the exchange. But when they arrived, Carter and another individual allegedly approached the vehicle armed with guns.
One of the gunmen reportedly shouted, “Give me everything! Do you want to die?” In a panic, Bauman’s brother put the car in reverse in an attempt to flee, but that’s when shots were fired—one of them striking Makayla in the chest.
Makayla’s brother told authorities that his sister said, “I think I just got shot,” as she struggled to remain conscious. He drove off, trying to get help, but soon realized she was slipping away. He stopped the car, where responding officers found him trying to save her. She was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries.
Detectives learned from Bauman’s brother that Carter was a classmate at Beech Grove High School. Although he was unsure of the second suspect’s identity, police later identified the other gunman as Carter’s brother. It remains unclear whether the sibling will face any charges.
Carter, during a police interview, claimed he and his brother were the victims and alleged someone in the car had pulled a weapon. However, investigators said they found no signs that Bauman or her brother were armed.
Further investigation revealed a witness told police that Carter had said he planned to “rob a white boy of some marijuana,” casting doubt on his self-defense claim. Carter was arrested the day after the shooting, and on Monday, prosecutors officially charged him as an adult with murder.
Makayla Bauman is being remembered as a vibrant and loving young woman. Her obituary described her as someone who “lit up every room with her smile” and was “compassionate, smart, and intelligent.”
“She was the life of the party whether she was shopping or simply hanging out with friends,” the tribute read.