Suspect wanted in deadly shooting of high school student in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
A suspect is wanted in a shooting that left a 16-year-old Upper Darby High School student dead Sunday following an argument, police said.
In an announcement to the school community, Upper Darby School District Superintendent Daniel McGarry said he was informed by police Sunday afternoon that a high school student had been shot and killed near Long Lane and Marshall Road.
Family identified the victim as Khalief Webster, 16, a sophomore at UDHS who loved playing football.
"As parents, we try so hard, so this wouldn't happen and this happened," Talaya Shaw said. "I pray for my kids every time they walk out the door. Lord, bring my kids back safe. Bring my babies back safe."
The shooting happened just before 3 p.m. Sunday in the area of Long Lane and Pine Street, according to police.
Police said Khalief and another minor were arguing, which led to the suspect shooting Khalief. On Sunday night, police released multiple images of the alleged shooter and surveillance video.
Khalief was shot in the lower back, police said. He was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and pronounced dead, according to police.
Police said they're in "close contact" with the Upper Darby School District to provide "resources and support" for his family, students and staff.
McGarry said resources will be available in the district's schools Monday for anyone who needs to talk to someone from its Pupil Services Team. The superintendent asks the school community to keep "all involved in your thoughts and prayers."
Upper Darby Mayor Edward Brown said in a statement he extended his condolences to Khalief's family, friends and classmates.
"My heart breaks for your loss," Brown said in a part. "There are no words that can ease your pain, but please know that you are not alone. Our entire community grieves with you. These kinds of tragedies are becoming far too common, but that does not make them any less painful — or any more acceptable. We must come together as a community to ensure that people of all ages, especially our youth, feel safe, supported, and valued. Violence is never the answer. We have to do better. And we can do better — together."
Khalief is the second Upper Darby High School student to be killed in a shooting in the past two months. In March, 15-year-old Zahkir Whitfield, a 10th-grader at Upper Darby, was shot and killed on a SEPTA bus in West Philadelphia.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Upper Darby Township Police Department.
