Two Arrested for March Murder of Knoxville Teen

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two men have been charged with first-degree murder following a shooting that killed a 16-year-old last month. Knoxville Police Department’s Scott Erland announced that 21-year-old Jaylyn Hudson and 19-year-old Jayden Conwell were taken into custody in connection to the death of Ayden Russo, who was shot in the backyard of a home on March 24.

The shooting occurred just after midnight when officers responded to a call in the 2500 block of Louise Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Russo suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and multiple shell casings were recovered in the area.

According to Erland, law enforcement officials from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, which led to the apprehension of Hudson and Conwell on Monday. Both suspects were questioned before being formally charged.

“This tragedy has affected the entire community, and police are committed to holding those responsible accountable,” Erland said in a statement. “The cooperation between the KPD and the community played a vital role in the rapid response to this incident.”

The charges against Hudson and Conwell reflect ongoing concerns about youth violence in Knoxville, which has seen an uptick in shootings in recent months. Local leaders have called for increased community efforts to address and prevent such incidents. “It’s important for us to come together to ensure the safety of our children,” said a community member at a recent public meeting addressing violence prevention.

The investigation remains active as authorities seek additional information related to the shooting. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact the Knoxville Police Department.