16-Year-Old Charged, Allegedly Took Selfie With Dead Teen In Jeannette
JEANNETTE (KDKA) -- A teen has been arrested and charged in the murder of a Westmoreland County teenager, and allegedly sent a photo of the dead teen to another person after the shooting.
According to court documents, 16-year-old Maxwell Morton was taken into custody and is now facing criminal homicide charges.
Ryan Mangan, 16, was found dead of a gunshot wound at his home in Jeannette of Wednesday evening. Police say he had been shot in the face.
Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck said earlier in the week that the investigation was centering on those who knew the boy and might have been with him earlier in the day. Peck says the shooting didn't appear to be "random" but wouldn't say why investigators believe that.
The criminal complaint also says that the mother of a third boy says her son received a Snapchat photo from Morton, which shows Morton in the photo with the victim after he had been shot in the face. The criminal complaint describes it as a "selfie." The photo apparently also had the name "MAXWELL" written across the top.
Police also say the third boy received text messages from Morton saying, "Told you I cleaned up the shells" and "Ryan was not the last one."
Friends say dealing with the tragedy has been difficult.
"Definitely makes it harder, not being able to know what really happened," said friend Jimmy Malik. "Not being able to ask him and not being able to talk to him."
Morton has been charged with first degree murder, criminal homicide and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
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