Emily Shoemaker, a 17-year-old girl from Dover Township, York, PA, tragically died on December 12, 2019, from multiple gunshot wounds. She was a senior at Dover High School, involved in cheerleading, volleyball, and softball, and worked as a hostess at Buffalo Wild Wings. Emily was driving a green Kia Soul on West College Avenue when another vehicle pulled up beside her and opened fire.
Her car crashed into a tree after the shooting, and she was taken to York Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was not random. Daiquan Dickerson, 20, of Red Lion, was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Emily's death. He was also found guilty of attempted murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and firearms not to be carried without a license. Sterling Frantz, another suspect, was charged with homicide and attempted homicide. Caylah Webb, who owned the vehicle used by the suspects, was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction, and tampering with evidence.
The motive behind the shooting was linked to a marijuana deal gone wrong. Emily had contacted a low-level drug dealer over Snapchat to buy a quarter ounce of marijuana for $120. The dealer, who worked for Dickerson, was allegedly robbed by Emily and her friends, leading to the shooting. Dickerson chased down Emily's car and fired multiple shots into it. Frantz testified against Dickerson during the trial, revealing details of the incident.
Emily's death deeply affected her family, friends, and the community. Her funeral was held at Zion Lutheran Church in York, and a Go Fund Me page was set up to help her family with the memorial and funeral expenses. The Dover Area School District provided additional counseling support for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The case brought significant attention to issues of gun violence and the impact of drug-related crimes on young lives. The convictions of Dickerson and Frantz highlighted the severe consequences of such actions and the importance of justice for the victims and their families.
