Norristown teen charged with murder in fatal shooting of 15-year-old boy
Norristown teen charged with murder in fatal shooting of 15-year-old boy
A 16-year-old boy from Norristown has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed during a fight between groups of teenagers, according to Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
PHILADELPHIA - A 16-year-old boy from Norristown has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed during a fight between groups of teenagers, according to Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
What we know:
The shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, in Haws Alley off George Street, the DA's office said. Officers found a 15-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the head, and he was pronounced dead at Paoli Trauma Center.
Detectives recovered a live round, a fired cartridge casing, and a cellphone at the scene, which they say belonged to 16-year-old Alex Herrera. Investigators also found videos showing several teenagers running from the area after the shot was fired.
Police say the investigation revealed that two groups of teenagers met three times that night to fight, but kept moving locations because of police presence. The third fight ended in the fatal shooting.
Detectives identified Herrara in video footage, saying he appeared to be holding something in his waistband as he ran from the scene. He was stopped by police nearby.
Herrara is charged with First-Degree Murder, Third-Degree Murder, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor, and possessing an instrument of crime.
What they're saying:
Residents told FOX 29 that they heard the gunshots on Wednesday night.
"I heard gunshots from about five blocks away," said Stefanie Bolger. "My kids stay down here with their aunt and the cousins, so I didn’t know who it was. They’re always up and around here, so I ran."
Bolger said she heard at least three gunshots.
Another resident said this is a familiar scene in this alley.
"Not even a year ago another shooting just happened in this alley. The same exact alley, same exact location, same exact place, and it was with kids," said Trina Wright, who lives next to the alley.
Wright said, "The bullet could have come right into my home, which is just across the street."
Dig deeper:
On Thursday, the Norristown Area School District confirmed that the teen who was killed was a ninth grade student at Norristown Area High School, and that Herrera is in the 10th grade at NAHS.
After "news of this incident contributed to heightened emotions among students" on Thursday, the school was placed on lockdown, then later a shelter in place before an early dismissal. The school was already scheduled to dismiss early Thursday because of finals.
In a statement to FOX 29, the district said:
"The events of last evening have had a devastating effect on our entire community. We acknowledge the wide range and depth of emotions being experienced by all who have been impacted by this tragedy. Our deepest condolences are with the victim’s family, including siblings across our district, and all who knew and cared for them. Out of respect for the families and the active legal process, the District will not be sharing additional details at this time."
What we don't know:
Police have not released details about what led up to the fight or if any other teenagers will face charges. The name of the 15-year-old victim has not been released.
What's next:
Herrera is awaiting arraignment, when a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.