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Police search for suspects in shooting death of 9th grader in Phoenixville

Published  December 28, 2017 8:43pm EST
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Phoenixville, Pa. (WTXF) - Officials say 15-year-old Jayson Ortiz-Cameron was shot and killed in the back parking lot of Dunkin' Donuts on Nutt Road in Phoenixville.

It happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Police say this was a drug-related homicide. According to investigators, the victim and a few friends planned a robbery in the middle of a marijuana deal in the back parking lot of the Dunkin' Donuts. Police say surveillance photos show a car pulling up with a group of people inside. The two groups started arguing and investigators say someone in the car pulled out a gun and shot Ortiz-Cameron who later died at the hospital. The DA is urging anyone in that car to come forward.

Phoenixville Police Chief Thomas Sjostrom stated, "We have a combined investigative team working on this case. This was not a random act of violence. We will continue to work diligently to uncover all of the case facts and evidence in order to determine the identity of the shooter."

District Attorney Hogan added, "The suspects were engaged with this victim over a petty drug deal. Now a young man is dead and the suspects are fugitives, knowing that one of them is a killer. All of this violence was triggered by a little bit of weed and a little bit of greed. It is senseless."

Superintendent of Schools, Alan D. Fegley, Ed.D. released the following statement, reading in part, on Thursday:

As we attempt to come to grips with the loss of this young life, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man.

This tragedy affects all of the PASD family, we will continue to provide support for any students, staff, parents, and our greater community who are in shock and mourning over our loss. Counselors and staff are currently available today (Thursday, December 28th) at the high school from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to talk with anyone who needs support.

January 2nd will be a Day of Healing for the school with an assembly and additional counselors available throughout the day and the rest of the week.

Police are actively seeking the males in the car. Anybody with information should contact Chester County Detective Joe Walton at 610-344-6866 or Phoenixville Detective Pat Mark at 610-933-1180.