Johnstown police say a 13 year old boy is the latest victim of a deadly weekend shooting. Police are calling the shooting retaliation for another murder that happened in the City last week.
“We’re going out of our way to arrest these people as quickly as we can. The problem is street justice catches up to them before we can do our job. We have to follow the rules of law and the rules of the Constitution. There’s no constitution in street thuggery,” said Johnstown Police Chief Robert Johnson.
Investigators say they found the body of Marquise Martin Saturday night, on a porch on Oak Street in the Hornerstown section of the City. Gunfire was reported in the same area around 8 o’clock that night.
The coroner says Martin died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Investigators say they do have a suspect, but no one is in custody at this time.
Johnstown police say the violence is tied to gangs and drugs, calling it “street justice.”
Last week, 18-year old Tavion Williamson was shot and killed in Hornerstown, just blocks away from where Martin’s body was found.
Police say a weapon was found at the scene of Martin’s death. They’re investigating whether the weapon is connected to Williamson’s murder. Detectives are also looking at surveillance video.
Police are now calling on parents and the community to keep track of their kids and make sure they’re staying out of trouble.
“We need parents and family members, schools, to be more involved in the lives of these kids. Parents should be involved in their kids lives. They should know what they’re doing and who they’re doing it with,” said Johnstown Police Chief Robert Johnson .
Martin attended the Greater Johnstown Cyber School. Today the school district released a statement saying their sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends. They will have grief counselors for any student who may need it.
A town hall meeting will also be held Tuesday night, Dec. 12 at 6pm at Johnstown Middle School to talk about ways the community can help eliminate violence.