On October 5, 2020, 18-year-old Semaj Mozee was fatally shot in his second-floor apartment at 667 Campbell Street in Williamsport, PA. Mozee, an African American male, was with other individuals in the apartment when there was a knock on the door. A juvenile in the apartment opened the door and saw a masked gunman, prompting Mozee to push the juvenile away and slam the door shut. Despite the door being closed, two gunshots were fired from an interior stairwell, with one bullet penetrating the door and striking Mozee in the neck. He was rushed to nearby UPMC Williamsport but succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.
The investigation into Mozee's death revealed that the gunman was Seneca Martin Mitchell Jr., a one-time friend of Mozee's. Mitchell, who was 21 years old at the time, had a falling out with Mozee after Mozee rekindled a friendship with an old associate who was involved in conflicts with a local street gang known as the "400 Gang". Mitchell, a member of the gang, allegedly viewed Mozee as an enemy. On the night of the shooting, Mozee was involved in an online argument with Mitchell and three of Mitchell's friends, during which there was talk about "smoking" Mozee, a term referring to shooting someone.
Mitchell was arrested and charged with criminal homicide, burglary, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, recklessly endangering, and related offenses. He was taken into custody at his home and held without bail. Another individual, Rocellus Carter, also known as "Ziggy," was arrested and charged in connection with the murder. Carter, who was 22 years old, was found to have been with Mitchell at the scene of the crime. Both Mitchell and Carter were held for court on all charges related to Mozee's murder.
The case has been ongoing, with both Mitchell and Carter facing serious legal consequences for their actions. Mozee's family has been deeply affected by the loss, and his sister provided emotional testimony during the preliminary hearings. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings have been a long and arduous process, but the authorities remain committed to seeking justice for Semaj Mozee.
