Caden Naylor Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter
An 18-year-old entered a plea regarding the 2022 death of 12-year-old Markell Noah in Jackson.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Pre-Teens
Caden Naylor has pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and tampering with evidence following the death of 12-year-old Markell Noah. The victim was reported missing in late 2022 before his body was discovered by authorities.
Why it matters
The guilty plea resolves key legal questions surrounding the fatal 2022 incident that resulted in the death of the pre-teen. This outcome provides a conclusion to the initial investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
Caden Naylor pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and tampering with evidence after the victim was found behind an abandoned home. The defendant is 18 years old, and the victim was 12 at the time of his death.
The players
Caden Naylor
He is an 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and tampering with evidence in the death of Markell Noah.
Markell Noah
He was a 12-year-old boy whose body was discovered by police behind an abandoned home in November 2022.
Jackson Police
The local agency responsible for investigating the disappearance and death of the child.
Eshawn Green
He was an individual staying at the abandoned home where the victim's body was eventually located.
Kaylan Owens
He was staying at the abandoned property in Jackson where the body of the 12-year-old victim was found.
The details
Markell Noah died after being shot during a struggle over a firearm, after which his body was moved in an attempt to hide it behind an abandoned home. The location where the body was discovered was being occupied by Eshawn Green and Kaylan Owens.
Timeline
Markell Noah was reported missing on Nov. 25, 2022.
Jackson police officers found the body of Markell Noah on Nov. 26, 2022.
Caden Naylor will be sentenced on Oct. 26.
Legal Context
This case follows the investigative and prosecution patterns set by the 2022 Jackson child fatality case. The plea agreement marks a significant progression in the regional judicial process for incidents involving minors.
The resolution of this case provides clarity to the local community regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of a child in their neighborhood. Residents can expect the sentencing hearing on October 26 to conclude the current legal proceedings.
The takeaway
This case highlights the tragic consequences that can arise from access to firearms among young individuals. Community members are reminded to prioritize firearm safety to prevent such fatal accidents involving children.
What happens next
Caden Naylor is scheduled to appear in court for his sentencing on Oct. 26.
Further reading
For more information on youth-related issues in the area, visit Pre-Teens.
