In the summer of 2018, a young life was abruptly cut short on the streets of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Armand Fennell, a 17-year-old male, was fatally shot in the back on the night of July 7th. The incident occurred on Glendale Road, where a large party of 40 to 50 people was taking place. Fennell, an Upper Darby High School student who would have been entering his senior year, was known for volunteering at the office of state Rep.
Margo Davidson.
The investigation into the shooting initially faced significant hurdles as witnesses were reluctant to come forward. This created a frustrating and sluggish start for the Upper Darby Police Department. However, after pleas from Fennell's family and encouragement from township officials for the community to speak up, tips began to trickle in through various channels, including phone calls and social media. These crucial pieces of information ultimately pointed investigators toward a suspect.
Weeks of determined police work led to the identification and arrest of 21-year-old Deshawn Cannon of Upper Darby. Authorities believe the motive for the shooting was a robbery that went wrong. According to police, Cannon attempted to rob Fennell outside the party. When Fennell turned and ran, Cannon fired the fatal shot. It was reported that Cannon had been released from prison less than 24 hours before the shooting. He was taken into custody on an unrelated handgun charge in Philadelphia before being charged with criminal homicide in Fennell's death. Following his transfer to Upper Darby, Cannon confessed to his involvement in the homicide.
