18-year-old shot, killed following an argument in Philadelphia's Roxborough neighborhood, police say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — An 18-year-old man died in Philadelphia's Roxborough neighborhood Tuesday night after being shot, Philadelphia police said.
Police said an investigation is underway after the man, identified as Elijah Deloach of Elkins Park, was shot in the chest and killed following an argument at a Roxborough apartment complex a little after 10 p.m. along Henry Avenue.
According to investigators, two males and two females arrived and confronted a 23-year-old man. The 23-year-old allegedly fired one shot at Deloach and then jumped off of a fourth-story balcony. They said the 23-year-old wasn't hurt.
The 23-year-old was later identified as Kione Gary. Gary was taken into custody and faces charges including murder.
"We're getting information that there was a dispute inside of the fourth-floor apartment where the 23-year-old lived with his girlfriend," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said. "There was some sort of altercation, and that's when at least one shot was fired."
Deloach was pronounced dead after being taken to Roxborough Hospital by private car. Police said they don't know if he is related to the girlfriend but was with the girlfriend's family.
"We believe this was motivated by a domestic incident. We believe the 23-year-old lived in the fourth-floor apartment with a female," Small said. "They got into some sort of altercation, that's when family members and friends of the female came to intervene."
"When police initially arrived on location they found a 23-year-old male who was armed with a gun, did cooperate with police," Small continued. "So police have his weapon, he was transported to police headquarters."
Here is the letter Cheltenham High School Principal Jimmy D'Andrea sent to families:
Dear Cheltenham High School Families,
"I am heartbroken to share that one of our 12th grade students, Elijah DeLoach, passed away last night. Elijah attended Myers Elementary School, Elkins Park School, Cedarbrook Middle School, and Cheltenham High School, and he was scheduled to receive his diploma two weeks from today at our graduation ceremony.
While serving as principal for the past two years, I had the privilege to get to know Elijah through our daily interactions. He had a quiet and reserved personality, but his dynamic sense of humor came through when you got to know him. He was incredibly excited about finishing high school, and he had big plans for the future.
The Cheltenham School District (CSD) Office of Student Services coordinated counseling support for students and staff today, and students were able to leave class to come to the counseling office at any point if they felt the need. Students, staff or families who feel they would benefit from such services can also reach out to the CSD Director of Student Services, Ms. Jessica Keene, at 215-886-9500 x6120 or jkeene@cheltenham.org. These resources from the National Association of School Psychologists may also be helpful in conversations with your child(ren).
Our thoughts are with Elijah's family at this time, and I know you join me in extending our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Please do not hesitate to contact the school at 215-517-3700 if you have any questions or concerns."