Justin Machado was 17 when he was killed at his family’s home in the Hunter Creek neighborhood of Orlando on January 9, 2018. Born October 11, 2000, Justin was a student at Freedom High School and played on the school’s baseball team. His father, Amaury Machado, found him in a pool of blood at the house.

Investigators determined Justin was shot by his 17-year-old uncle, Mandy Machado, after the two and another juvenile had skipped school and been at Justin’s home. Prosecutors said Mandy pointed a rifle at Justin and pulled the trigger, not realizing the gun was loaded. Mandy and the other juvenile initially tried to cover up the shooting by falsely blaming gang or drug activity.

Mandy Machado was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, destruction of evidence, and lying to investigators; he pleaded guilty and received a three-year prison term followed by seven years of probation. The other juvenile, Joswanny Cepeda, was processed in juvenile court. If anyone knew Justin or has information about that day, please share what is remembered.