Layth S. Evans, a 19-year-old male of African American ethnicity from Philadelphia, tragically lost his life on July 10, 2021, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. He was found slumped behind the wheel of his vehicle parked on Ardmore Avenue, having been shot in the face. The incident occurred during a botched "ghost gun" sale. Evans was pronounced dead at an area hospital shortly after being discovered.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals: Micah Colbert, 19, of Ardmore, Elijah
Smith, 21, of Philadelphia, and Dorian Harris, 21, of Ardmore. Colbert and Smith were charged with murder, robbery, and other related offenses. According to court documents, Colbert admitted to firing the fatal shot after Evans allegedly pulled a gun on him. Harris, Colbert's roommate, was charged with illegally transferring a firearm, as his gun was used in the shooting.
The case took a significant turn when Harris reported to the police that his gun had been stolen and used by Colbert. Harris turned over the weapon to detectives, and video surveillance, eyewitness accounts, and text messages corroborated the sequence of events. Colbert and Smith were held without bail, while Harris was held on $100,000 bail.
In a subsequent development, some charges against Smith, including murder, robbery, and conspiracy, were dropped, and he was released on unsecured bail. However, Colbert still faced multiple charges, including murder and firearm crimes. The case highlighted the dangers associated with "ghost guns," which are untraceable firearms assembled from parts.
The community held a vigil for Layth Evans at Vernon Young Park, where family and friends gathered to remember him. The tragic incident underscored the devastating consequences of illegal gun transactions and the importance of addressing gun violence in communities.
