5th suspect arrested in mass shooting at SEPTA stop, another charged with previous murder
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with a mass shooting that injured eight students earlier this month as they waited for a SEPTA bus after school.
During a Thursday afternoon press conference, police also announced that one of the suspects previously arrested in the case has now been charged with murder in a shooting that happened back in February.
After further investigation and the arrests of four suspects, police say they discovered additional evidence that led them to a fifth suspect. He was identified by police as 15-year-old Jeremiah Jefferson.
Jefferson is a student at Northeast High School where he was arrested and taken into custody Thursday morning.
Jeremiah Jefferson, 15, faces attempted murder and aggravated assault charges in the March 6 shooting that left eight students injured.
Police and U.S. Marshals had previously arrested Asir Boone, 17, Jamaal Tucker, 18, Anhile Buggs, 18, and Jermahd Carter, 19, in connection with the shooting.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore explained Thursday that Jefferson had been inside the Dunkin’ near the scene acting as a spotter for the other suspects who were waiting in a vehicle nearby.
Vanore says Jefferson identified potential targets and sent pictures of those waiting at the bus stop while on the phone with his alleged accomplices. During the communications, Vanore says the teen at one point described his own clothing and told the other suspects ‘Don’t cook me.’
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He also allegedly typed the word ‘go’ just before three gunmen exited the car and ran to the bus stop to carry out the shooting.
Police say Jefferson could be seen on surveillance video during the incident and walking away from the scene.
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Jefferson is facing all of the same charges as the other four suspects, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy.
Vanore stressed that police are not done and are looking at several other incidents they believe could be connected to the bus stop. Some of those incidents include homicides and non-fatal shootings.
"We’re sending a message today to our young people or anybody who decides that they want to engage in this type of behavior were going to come after you," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel during the presser Thursday.
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Among the possible connections under investigation, was a similar shooting at a SEPTA bus stop just two days before that left a 17-year-old student dead. Police are still looking for a suspect in that case.
During the press conference, Vanore also announced that Anhile Buggs has been charged with murder in a Feb. 15 shooting pm the 5800 block of Rising Sun Avenue that claimed the life of Kristopher Dowling, 20.
"No matter where you go in the city you hear young people talking about the fear they’re experiencing as they go to and from school getting on and off school buses and SEPTA buses because of this specific round of recent shootings," said First Assistant Robert Listenbee of the DA.
FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson spoke to Chantay Love with EMIR Healing Center who explained the depth of how shootings like these impact families.
"Being okay to tell your child it’s okay to have some help, because if you’re scared as a parent, it’s okay to tell your child I’m scared," said Love.
She says parents should expect the shootings involving Northeast and Imhotep Charter students to affect all kids in some way.
"I want parents to open the conversation up and say hey I want to talk to you. I’m here for you. Allow them to have friends around and talk to all of them. Talk to some other parents, so you can do this together," said Love.