PHOENIXVILLE >> Police are looking for a suspect after the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy.
Police have identified the victim of Wednesday night’s shooting as Jayson Ortiz-Cameron. He was shot in the back parking lot of Dunkin’ Donuts at 218 Nutt Road at around 7:30 p.m.
Based on information gathered from witnesses and surveillance footage, the homicide was drug related, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday.
Police said the victim and other people had planned to commit a robbery in the middle of a marijuana deal in the back of the parking lot. During the interaction, the victim was shot and killed.
At 7:15 p.m., a vehicle occupied by the shooter arrived at the Dunkin’ Donuts and circled the entire store before backing into a spot at the back. The victim and others had been in contact with the occupants of the car in order to set up a drug deal, police said.
The victim and his friends then approached the car, which had three to four occupants including a male driver with dreadlocks or braids and a male passenger in the front seat, police said. A conversation among them then escalated into a confrontation.
The driver had been arguing with the victim and his friends about the marijuana deal when the passenger in the front seat joined the argument. One of the males in the car then pulled out a silver handgun and shot the victim, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. The occupants of the vehicle then got back in the car and fled onto Milligan Street.
The vehicle was seen leaving the scene at approximately 7:24 p.m. Ortiz-Cameron was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived.
The homicide is being investigated by Phoenixville Police and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
“We have a combined investigative team working on this case,” said Phoenixville Police Chief Thomas Sjostrom. “This was not a random act of violence. We will continue to work diligently to uncover all the case facts and evidence in order to determine the identity of the shooter.”
Police are now looking to identify the individuals in the car.
“The individuals in the car who were not the shooter should contact authorities immediately. Some individuals may be treated as witnesses rather than defendants, but that opportunity decreases with every minute you stay on the run,” said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. “We are using multiple investigative tools and leads to track you down.”
Police are asking that anyone with information contact Joe Walton at 610-344-6866 or Phoenixville Detective Pat Mark at 610-933-1180.
“The suspects were engaged with this victim over a petty drug deal. Now a young man is dead and the suspects are fugitives, knowing that one of them is a killer. All of this violence was triggered by a little bit of weed and a little bit of greed. It is senseless,” said Hogan.
Phoenixville School District made counselors and staff available Thursday at the high school from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to talk with anyone who needs support
The school district added that Jan. 2 will be a “day of healing” for the school with an assembly and additional counselors available throughout the day and the rest of the week.
“This morning we received word from the mother of 9th grade student, Jayson Ortiz-Cameron, that he was involved in last night’s incident. It is with heavy hearts that we share she confirmed his passing. As we attempt to come to grips with the loss of this young life, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man,” read the posting from the school district. “This tragedy affects all of the PASD family, we will continue to provide support for any students, staff, parents, and our greater community who are in shock and mourning over our loss.”
