Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman joined city police Chief Keith Sadler in requesting the “dozens” of people with information about three recent shootings – two homicides – to speak up or send anonymous tips.
The two officials pointed to three men shot in the city since Saturday, telling the public that individuals have information that could lead to arrests, but aren’t sharing it.
“I can tell you there are dozens of people out there who know something about at least one or more of these crimes and are not coming forward,” Stedman said at a Thursday evening conference. “In fact, they are defiant to police officers.”
Stedman and Sadler spoke of these incidents:
- Saturday: Luis Santiago, 26, killed in 800 block of East Chestnut Street
- Monday: Edward Cameron, 30, killed on East Mifflin Street
- Wednesday: 21-year-old man in grave condition after being shot on East Fulton Street. His condition was the same Friday morning.
Police have a suspect in the Saturday shooting, and specifically asked for reports on the recent two shootings, which are believed to be related to one another.
Sadler said the Wednesday shooting was in retaliation for the Monday homicide.
“Traditional gangs” wearing colors aren’t involved, Sadler said, rather: “two groups of people (that) decided to arm up and go after each other.”
Stedman and Sadler said young men – in their late teens and 20s – are carrying guns and thinking nothing of it.
“(They) put a gun on with the ease they put socks on,” Stedman said.
Anyone with information about the shootings is urged to city police at 717-735-3300 or Lancaster City-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913. Tips can be submitted, anonymously, by: clicking the Submit a Tip button on the police website, www.lancasterpolice.com; or text-messaging LANCS, plus your message, to 847411.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us