Lasantos Donte Saunders, a 30-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically died on February 1, 2020, in Chester, Pennsylvania. His death occurred during a violent incident at the Sunoco A Plus Mini Mart on Kerlin and West 9th streets. The incident began as a robbery, where Saunders was assaulted and robbed by multiple individuals inside the gas station. The store employees managed to get the attackers out, but Saunders stayed inside for his safety.
Shortly after, 29-year-old Tahriq Doward returned to the store, and a gun battle ensued between Doward and Saunders. Both men shot each other, and Saunders was found unresponsive in a car a block away from the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Doward also died at the scene.
Following the incident, police arrested two suspects, 21-year-old Jaquail Dale and 29-year-old Lamont Mallory, for their involvement in the robbery and assault of Saunders. However, they were not charged with the homicide of Saunders. The investigation revealed that Dale and Mallory participated in the attack on Saunders, but it was determined that Saunders and Doward shot each other during the exchange.
The case brought Chester's homicide count to five for the year 2020, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence in the area. The community and Saunders' family were deeply affected by the tragedy, with Saunders' mother expressing her grief and loss during court hearings for the suspects.
Saunders' death remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of community safety efforts.
