Amari Wise Shot From Behind During Argument, Father And Son Facing Charges
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (KDKA) -- New details are emerging in the death investigation of Amari Wise in New Castle.
New Castle Police held a briefing Tuesday afternoon on the case. Chief Robert Salem says he hopes the investigation can bring some closure to the 19-year-old's family.
He hopes their investigation can bring some closure to the family of 19-year-old Amari Wise. @KDKA
— Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) June 16, 2020
The Lawrence County Coroner's Office has ruled Wise's death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Connor Henry, 20, and his father, 47-year-old Todd Henry, are the two suspects in custody in connection with Wise's death.
In a criminal complaint obtained by KDKA, investigators say that two unidentified witnesses told them Wise was at the Henry's home along Adams Street with several others, drinking in the garage the night that he was shot.
Witnesses say Wise got into an argument with another person in that garage.
When things got heated, witnesses say Wise allegedly reached for a gun from his fanny pack.
It's at that moment witnesses tell investigators that Connor Henry pulled out a gun and shot Wise from behind.
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"I definitely want them to get justice. I want them to pay for what they did to this young man. He didn't deserve this. I want his mother to be at peace knowing they got what they deserve," said Marcee Richardson.
In the criminal complaint, investigators say it appears the Henrys tried to power wash blood stains from the garage, but investigators were able to collect samples that tested positive.
In surveillance video from the night Wise disappeared, investigators say Todd Henry's car was seen in the same area where the car Wise was last seen driving was found.
Todd Henry's vehicle is being held for evidence.
Police say they also have an audio recording picked up on a nearby surveillance camera of a single gunshot allegedly coming from that garage.
Connor Henry faces charges of criminal homicide and tampering with evidence. He was arrested in Ocean City, Maryland. The Lawrence County District Attorney says he hopes Henry will return to Pennsylvania in the next couple of days.
His father Todd faces conspiracy, obstruction and tampering charges.