Teen Charged with Murder After 14-Year-Old Girl Killed in Home Shooting

Tragedy Strikes Upper Darby as Teen Charged in Accidental Shooting

A tragic incident occurred in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, when a 14-year-old girl was fatally shot during what police described as an accidental shooting. The event has left the community in shock and raised important questions about gun safety.

Incident Details

According to reports, a group of teenagers were hanging out at a home on Thursday, May 14, when they came into contact with a firearm. Police believe that the group, which included two boys and two girls, had access to a gun that was stored in the house. During their time together, the gun was accidentally discharged, resulting in a single bullet striking the victim in the head.

The Upper Darby Police Department (UDPD) responded to a 911 call regarding a person with a gunshot wound at a residence on the 100 block of Springton Road. Upon arrival, officers found the victim and transported them to a local hospital for treatment.

Investigation and Charges

In an update shared on Friday, May 15, the UDPD announced that they had filed charges following an extensive investigation. A 14-year-old boy was charged as an adult with third-degree murder. Local outlets such as Fox 29, 6 ABC, and CBS News reported that the suspect is believed to have been involved in the incident.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt told 6 ABC that investigators believe the group of friends was playing with the gun in an upstairs bedroom when it accidentally fired. He emphasized that the incident was not an act of violence or a dispute, but rather a tragic accident.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by the outlet, the 14-year-old boy allegedly told detectives that he knew the victim's mother, who was at work at the time, kept a handgun in her bedroom closet. The group took the gun and went into the victim's bedroom, where the accidental shooting occurred.

A witness reportedly told police that she heard the boy say, "Oh, my God, I just killed her!" per the complaint.

Community Reaction

Neighbors of the victim's family expressed their sorrow over the incident. Sheryle Williams Barnes, a neighbor, said, "It's crazy. Never want that to happen to anyone." Another neighbor, Aspara Agyeman, added, "Any time a young person loses their life, it's a sad occasion, anytime for any reason. Today was a sad day, not only for the family but for the community as a whole, as a community on this block."

Emphasis on Gun Safety

Superintendent Bernhardt highlighted the importance of safely securing firearms during his comments to 6 ABC. "There's no redo when it comes to guns. Once a life is taken, it cannot be taken back," he said. He also urged children to understand that guns are not toys. "A bad decision, a careless moment has forever changed the lives of our victim's family, those three other juveniles that were there, their families and our entire community."

For more information on safe firearm storage and ways to protect children from unsecured firearms, visit BeSMARTforkids.org.