After an investigation which included numerous interviews and repeated reviews of evidence gathered in the case, Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman has reached the following conclusion on a road-rage, non-fatal shooting May 6, 2015, in Warwick Township:
Stedman's office has not ruled the shooting justified, but determined criminal charges against neither James Mellinger Jr. or Darrel Smith Jr. could be upheld in court, beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here is some background on the case:
On May 6, 2015, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office became involved in an investigation of the shooting, which happened that day during a reported road-rage incident in Warwick Township.
Northern Lancaster Regional Police were primary investigators.
Specifically, the office was asked to review the case and render a ruling on justification for the shooting, and whether any criminal charges were, in our opinion, warranted.
After working diligently for the past few months, we reached a conclusion regarding the shooting and events that came before and after it.