Justin Gabriel Griffith, a 20-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically passed away on July 5, 2021, at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. He was fatally shot in a double-shooting incident at Cousler Park in Manchester Township. The incident occurred around 9 p.m., and Griffith was pronounced dead at 9:39 p.m. The shooting was determined to be gang-related, and although Griffith was not the intended target, he was shot in the back.
For over a year, the case remained unsolved, with Northern York County Regional Police continuing their investigation. However, on January 5, 2023, a significant breakthrough occurred when Elijah De'von Roman Penn, aged 19, was arrested and charged with Griffith's murder. Penn was also charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person. The arrest was made possible through a four-month investigation by the York County Investigating Grand Jury, which included testimony from witnesses and analysis of cell phone data.
The Griffith family, along with the community, expressed relief and gratitude for the progress in the case. Justin Griffith was remembered as a caring, charismatic young man who had dreams of becoming a high school football coach and helping youth. His mother, Chawna Griffith, described him as someone who always looked out for others and was never ashamed to seek help for his mental health.
The arrest of Elijah Penn brought some closure to the Griffith family, who had been waiting for justice for over 18 months. The community continues to support the family and hopes for a fair trial to ensure that justice is served for Justin Gabriel Griffith.
