Nicholas Tarpley, a 28-year-old male of African American ethnicity from Donora, Pennsylvania, tragically died on February 24, 2021. Tarpley was working at Anna Lee’s Convenience Store, a business he co-owned, when he was shot and killed. Surveillance footage from the store showed Tarpley in the deli area when he was first shot in the back. He attempted to defend himself but was shot several more times.
Following Tarpley's death, police launched an investigation and released
surveillance images of two suspects seen at the scene. The suspects, later identified as Sydney McLean and Devell Christian, were charged with Tarpley's murder. Both men were ordered to stand trial, and they are being held without bond.
The investigation revealed that McLean and Christian were seen in the store at the time of the shooting. The District Attorney’s office did not release video from inside the store but confirmed that the footage showed Tarpley being shot while in the deli area. The case brought some closure to Tarpley's family, although the loss of their loved one remains deeply felt.
The community and Tarpley's family have been vocal about seeking justice for his untimely death. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings have been ongoing, with the hope of bringing those responsible to justice and providing some measure of peace to Tarpley's loved ones.
