Tragic Drive-By Shooting in St. Petersburg Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Jaden Hill
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — April 14, 2025
A heartbreaking act of violence shook the St. Petersburg community late Saturday night, as a 13-year-old boy, Jaden Hill, was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting while standing outside a residence on the city’s south side.
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, the incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. at a home located at 2421 11th Street South. Jaden was standing in the driveway when gunfire erupted from an unknown vehicle that drove past the residence. Multiple shots were fired, striking the young teen before the vehicle sped away from the scene.
Emergency responders rushed to the location after 911 calls were placed by residents who heard the gunfire. Jaden was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, the injuries proved too severe.
Authorities have not released information about potential suspects, and as of Monday morning, no arrests had been made. The vehicle involved has not yet been identified, and investigators are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to answers in this devastating case.
“This is a tragedy that no family, no community should have to endure,” said Chief Anthony Holloway of the St. Petersburg Police Department. “A 13-year-old child, with his whole life ahead of him, was taken from his loved ones in a senseless act of violence. We are committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.”
Investigators are canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and security footage that might help piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Officers are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or a vehicle fleeing the scene around the time of the shooting.
As news of the tragedy spread, an outpouring of grief began to ripple through the St. Petersburg community. Jaden Hill, described by teachers and neighbors as a bright, kind-hearted boy with a passion for sports and music, had just entered his teenage years. Friends recall his easy smile and a personality that made him well-loved by classmates and family alike.
“This has left us broken,” said one family friend. “He was just a kid. He didn’t deserve this.”
Local leaders and activists are once again raising alarm over gun violence impacting young people in the city. In recent months, St. Petersburg has seen an increase in youth-involved shootings, prompting renewed calls for community-based prevention programs, youth outreach, and stricter measures on illegal firearms.
“We can’t keep losing our children like this,” said Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders, who represents the district where the shooting occurred. “We need accountability, and we need action—not just from law enforcement, but from every part of this community.”
A vigil for Jaden Hill is being organized by community members and faith leaders for later this week. The event will serve not only as a memorial for Jaden’s life but also as a rallying point for collective healing and the urgent need to address the root causes of violence in the city.
In the meantime, the St. Petersburg Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County at 1-800-873-TIPS or online at crimestoppersofpinellas.org. A reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
As his family mourns the unimaginable loss of their child, Jaden Hill’s name now joins a growing list of young lives stolen by gun violence—each one a reminder of the critical need for change.