In the fall of 2018, the life of 19-year-old Christopher Patrick Levy was tragically cut short in what was described as a senseless act of violence. A recent graduate of Warwick High School, Christopher, known as Chris to his friends and family, was a lovable and kindhearted young man with a witty sense of humor who was known for his loyalty. He had a passion for collecting high-end sneakers, listening to rap music, and working on tuner cars.
His life was full of promise and close friendships, and he shared a special bond with his mother and maternal grandparents.
On November 5, 2018, Christopher was at an apartment on South Main Street in Penn Township, spending time with a group of acquaintances, including his 24-year-old friend, Shawn D. Bergman. The two had reportedly been together for several days without sleep and under the influence of multiple drugs. In a sudden and devastating turn of events, Bergman shot Christopher in the face with a pistol he had stolen from his stepfather. In the immediate aftermath of the gunshot, the others present in the apartment fled, leaving Christopher gravely wounded and alone.
First responders found Christopher inside the apartment, and he was rushed to a hospital in Philadelphia for treatment of his horrific injuries. For two days, his family stayed by his side, hoping for a miracle that would not come. On November 7, 2018, Christopher Patrick Levy succumbed to his injuries and passed away, a moment his mother marked by placing a hand on his heart until it stopped beating. The loss was a devastating blow to his family, who remembered him as a light in their lives.
Shawn D. Bergman was taken into custody following the shooting. The investigation revealed no evidence of premeditation, with witnesses hearing Bergman exclaim, 'Did I just shoot my friend?' immediately after pulling the trigger. In December 2019, Bergman pleaded guilty to third-degree murder for the death of his friend. During the sentencing hearing, Christopher's family expressed their profound grief and the unimaginable pain of their loss. Bergman offered a brief apology, stating, 'I messed up, and I'm truly sorry.' A judge accepted the plea deal, and he was sentenced to serve 12 to 24 years in prison for the shooting, bringing a legal conclusion to a preventable tragedy that ended a young man's life.
