Growing Gun Violence Becoming Bigger Concern After Fatal Shooting Of Teen Witness
DUQUESNE (KDKA) -- A day after 15-year-old LeRoy Powell was shot and killed near his home, Duquesne Police and Allegheny County homicide detectives are remaining tight-lipped about the investigation.
There were no updates on the investigation given Thursday.
Powell's family also said they would have no comment at this time.
Powell was a key witness in the shooting of a 15-year-old pregnant girl, DaRae Delgado, earlier this year. The girl survived, but her unborn baby died.
Rhonda Williams, who lives near the spot where Powell was shot, said, "Oh my God, that's the reason why we're scared, because if they [witnesses] do step up, and do what they're supposed to do, they may die. This is reality."
Rev. Archie Perrin Jr., pastor of the Macedonian Baptist Church in Duquesne, described Powell as "a wonderful boy."
"Wonderful family, wonderful child, wonderful student, just had his future ahead of him, and from all the information I've received… a star," he said.
Rev. Perrin said, in effect, the shooting will result in two "deaths."
"One's physical," and once there's an arrest, someone will end up being incarcerated, said Rev. Perrin.
He added, "We'll never be the same."
The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office released the following statement Thursday evening:
"When crimes like that involving the death of this unborn child are alleged to have been committed by a person with known criminal associates, the protection of other potential victims and known witnesses is a top priority. Whether that protection is afforded through witness protection or otherwise is a decision made with the investigating police agency and the families of the affected persons. Given the ongoing investigation of the circumstances of this teenager's death, further comment is not appropriate at this time."
RELATED LINKS:
Boy Accused Of Shooting Pregnant Teen Ordered To Stand Trial (7/30/14)
15-Year-Old Shot, Killed In Duquesne (8/6/14)
More Duquesne News
More Reports by Ralph Iannotti
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
