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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The tragic triple shooting in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
In a heartbreaking turn of events on Halloween night, a peaceful evening of trick-or-treating turned into a nightmare in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. A group of teenagers gathered in a parking lot at the corner of Bristol Pike and Woodbine Avenue, only for the night to end in tragedy. Shots rang out, and chaos ensued as a group fight escalated into a shooting that claimed the life of 14-year-old Peter Romano, a student at Snyder Middle School.
As first responders rushed to the scene, the horrific reality of the situation unfolded. Romano was shot in the chest, while two other teenagers, aged 17 and 19, sustained gunshot wounds to their legs. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Romano tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital. The community was left reeling from the senseless violence that had shattered the peaceful Halloween night.
The search for the suspect
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement officials launched a manhunt for the suspect responsible for Romano’s death. Surveillance footage captured the shooter fleeing in a stolen 2014 Hyundai Elantra, sparking a multi-state search for the perpetrator. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Sean Hughes, from Lower Makefield Township.
The pursuit of Hughes led police to Marysville, Ohio, where a high-speed chase ensued as officers attempted to apprehend the armed and dangerous suspect. Bodycam footage captured the intense pursuit, with officers deploying spike strips in a bid to stop the fleeing vehicle. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, Hughes ultimately took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing a tragic end to the manhunt.
The aftermath and investigation
In the wake of the shooting, questions swirled about the events leading up to Romano’s death. A passenger in the vehicle, 25-year-old Joshua Marquez, was found cooperating with police after Hughes’ demise. Marquez, a convicted felon, was charged with obstructing justice for his role in aiding Hughes during the chase.
Months later, the investigation concluded that Hughes was the sole individual responsible for Romano’s murder. It was revealed that Hughes had stolen a Sig Sauer handgun prior to the shooting, leading to further charges against the original owner of the weapon. The tragic loss of Romano sent shockwaves through the community, leaving loved ones grappling with the senseless violence that had claimed the life of a promising young student.
A community in mourning
Romano’s untimely death left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. Loved ones described him as a typical teenage boy, full of life and promise, whose future was cut short by a senseless act of violence. As the community grappled with the loss, memories of Romano’s vibrant spirit served as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the need to come together in times of tragedy.
For Amy Nekornnik, who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, the pain of Romano’s death struck a personal chord. Having lost her own son to violence just yards away from where Romano was killed, Nekornnik understood the depth of grief and loss that the community was experiencing. In the face of tragedy, she found solace in the shared sorrow of those who mourned the loss of a young life taken too soon.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
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