Carjacking Attempt Turns Deadly in Florida Parking Lot, Leaving One Teen Dead and Another Charged With Murder
What was meant to be a routine meeting in a quiet Clearwater parking lot ended in gunfire, tragedy, and criminal charges. A planned used-car transaction escalated into an alleged armed carjacking attempt, leaving one teenager dead and another now facing a second-degree murder charge under Florida law.
Planned Meetup Turns Violent
According to Clearwater police, Louise Ornduff and her son, Kalaeb, agreed to meet two individuals in a Bank of America parking lot to discuss the possible sale of a Nissan Rogue. The meeting was arranged as a standard buyer-seller exchange.
Authorities say that shortly after the suspects arrived, the situation escalated. The two males were reportedly armed and demanded the keys to the vehicle Kalaeb had driven to the meeting.
Suspects Drive Away, Shot Fired
Police state that the suspects took the vehicle and fled the scene. Moments later, Ornduff fired a single round from her legally owned firearm.
The bullet struck Lasupta Singletary, 18. The second suspect, Jernalen Dreshaw Coleman, 17, drove Singletary to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigation Focuses on Timing and Threat Level
Following the shooting, Clearwater police launched a detailed review of the incident, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and the distance traveled by the suspects before the shot was fired.
Authorities emphasized that determining whether the shooting qualifies as lawful self-defense depends on multiple factors, including whether the immediate threat had ended at the time the gunshot occurred.
Criminal defense attorney Anthony Rickman, who is not connected to the case, explained that investigators typically assess whether the use of force was necessary to prevent imminent harm.
Charges Filed Against Surviving Suspect
Prosecutors have charged Coleman with second-degree felony murder and armed robbery. Under Florida law, a felony murder charge can be filed when a death occurs during the commission of a violent felony, regardless of who fired the fatal shot.
Police also confirmed that both suspects had prior criminal histories, a factor cited as relevant to the investigation.
Clearwater Police Deputy Chief Eric Gandy stated that the suspects’ actions during the alleged armed robbery played a central role in the charges filed.
Public Reaction and Broader Debate
News of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing intense reactions. Some commenters expressed support for the woman, arguing she acted out of fear for her safety and that of her son. Others focused on concerns about violent crime and repeat offenders.
At the same time, legal experts cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation and court proceedings are complete, noting that self-defense cases often hinge on precise timing and context.
An Ongoing Legal Case
At this stage, one suspect is dead, and the other remains in custody awaiting trial. Authorities have not announced any charges against Ornduff, and the investigation remains open as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Conclusion
The Clearwater parking lot shooting underscores how quickly an everyday situation can spiral into deadly violence. What began as a routine car sale ended with the loss of a young life and serious criminal charges for another. As the case moves through the legal system, it continues to fuel broader conversations about self-defense, public safety, and the consequences of violent crime.