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14-year-old killed in triple shooting as gunman opens fire from car in Bensalem: police

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Updated  November 2, 2023 6:04am EDT
Crime & Public Safety
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Heartbroken family return to scene where Bensalem teen shot, killed

The heartbroken family of Romano returned to the spot where he was shot to death, his mother and twin brother in tears.

BENSALEM, Pa. - One young teen is dead and two others are hurt after police say a shooter opened fire on a group of juveniles during a fight Halloween night in Bensalem.

Officers from the Bensalem Police Department were called to the area of Bristol Pike and Woodbine Avenue around 7:30 p.m. for reports of a fight turned shooting.

Police found three victims, ages 14, 17 and 19, suffering from gunshot wounds to the neck and legs, according to preliminary information from police. 

All three victims were taken to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital by Bensalem Township EMS.

Police later identified the 14-year-old victim as Pietro Romano, Snyder Middle School student and Bensalem resident. According to police, he was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the hospital.

They say the 17-year-old victim is still in the hospital in stable condition and will receive surgery to repair injuries to both legs. 

14-year-old killed in triple shooting outside Bensalem strip mall

Authorities say 14-year-old Pietro Romano was killed and two other teens were hurt when gunfire erupted during a fight at Bensalem strip mall.

The 19-year-old male victim was treated for gunshot wounds to his lower extremities and released Tuesday night, police say.

Bensalem School District released a statement Wednesday discussing the matter:

Authorities believe a gunman fired at least a dozen shots from inside a car during the fight, then fled northbound on Bristol Pike.

According to police, witnesses said the car was parked at Woodbine Avenue and Bristol Pike.

The heartbroken family of Romano returned to the spot where he was shot to death Wednesday night, his mother and twin brother in tears. They put candles alongside flowers and other condolences dropped off by others earlier in the day.

The family will hold a vigil for Romano Thursday near the location where the trio were shot, at Woodbine Avenue and Bristol Pike.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information on the deadly shooting is asked to contact Detective Brian Oliverio (215) 633-3669 or Detective Larry Leith (215) 633-3713. You can also provide an anonymous tip at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd. 

The family of Pietro Romano has started a GoFundMe page with the goal of $10k for funeral arrangements.