Two Arrested in Chilling Boat Ramp Murder Case

Suspects charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering in death of 22-year-old Florida man

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Texas authorities have arrested two men, Jayden DeJesus and Trevon Quinones, in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Hunter Howell at a boat ramp in Florida. The suspects are facing charges of first-degree murder with a firearm and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Howell's body was found inside DeJesus's burned-out Honda Accord, with evidence of a gunshot wound and extensive fire damage.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of gun violence and the lengths some perpetrators will go to cover up their crimes. The chilling details of the murder and attempted cover-up have shaken the local community and raised questions about public safety in the area.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Howell was found deceased inside DeJesus's Honda Accord at the West Broward Boat Ramp on January 31. His clothing was burned, and there was soot throughout the vehicle, indicating an attempt to destroy evidence. Authorities determined Howell died from a gunshot wound to the head, but the car also showed signs of an incendiary device being used. Cellphone records and witness statements linked DeJesus and Quinones to the scene around the time of the murder.

  • On January 31, authorities responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle and found Howell's body inside a burned-out Honda Accord.
  • On February 1, detectives spoke to Howell's father and girlfriend, who provided information about his activities on the night of the murder.
  • On February 2, a friend of Howell's told police that he had been hanging out with DeJesus and Quinones, who both deleted their Instagram accounts after the killing.
  • On February 4, DeJesus's girlfriend told police that he had returned home early the morning after the murder with Quinones, and the Honda Accord was later missing.
  • On February 11, DeJesus and Quinones were arrested in Texas following a traffic stop and have since been extradited to Florida.

The players

Jayden DeJesus

A 19-year-old suspect charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Trevon Quinones

An 18-year-old suspect charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Hunter Howell

A 22-year-old victim who was found deceased inside DeJesus's burned-out Honda Accord, having suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

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What they’re saying

“They shot him. They shot him and tried to burn the evidence.”

— Howell's mother (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow DeJesus and Quinones out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of gun violence and the lengths some perpetrators will go to cover up their crimes, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with repeat offenders.