In a tragic turn of events at a gathering of friends, 20-year-old Anthony Lamarr Orosco, a Black male, lost his life on the night of February 8, 2020, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The evening began as a small party at the New Colony Mobile Home Park residence of 19-year-old Dante Terrell King. An argument erupted between King and his mother after a guest became ill. The dispute quickly escalated, with both King and his mother reportedly brandishing firearms.
Orosco, in a selfless act, attempted to intervene and de-escalate the volatile situation. He tried to take the gun from King, leading to a struggle. During the tussle, the firearm discharged, and a single bullet struck Orosco in the chest. Police and emergency services were called to the scene around 10:20 p.m. and found Orosco with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to UPMC McKeesport, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11:00 p.m.
When law enforcement arrived at the mobile home, they encountered a chaotic scene. King's mother was reportedly screaming at her son, 'you killed him,' to which he replied, 'I'm sorry.' King did not flee and, according to police, wanted to 'own up to what he did.' He told investigators that his finger slipped on the trigger during the struggle with Orosco.
Dante Terrell King was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with one count of criminal homicide. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail. The investigation that followed pieced together the moments leading up to the fatal shooting, painting a picture of a friendly get-together that spiraled into a deadly confrontation, ultimately costing a young man his life as he tried to act as a peacemaker.
