In the late summer of 2016, the life of 24-year-old Alex Hartzell was tragically cut short in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. On the morning of August 26, Hartzell, a white male, was discovered in the backyard of a residence on East Chestnut Street, having been shot multiple times. Originally from Pottstown and a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, Hartzell was known for his love of music and playing the guitar.
At the time of his death, he was experiencing homelessness and would occasionally stay in local shelters.
The investigation into Hartzell's death quickly focused on a suspect known as 'Butter.' Through a combination of witness interviews and the review of surveillance footage, authorities identified Lenn T. 'Butter' Tucker Jr., a 25-year-old with addresses in both Philadelphia and Coatesville, as the primary suspect. Video evidence reportedly showed Tucker meeting Hartzell on a street corner before following him into the backyard where the shooting occurred. The footage captured the assailant shooting Hartzell at close range, and then standing over him to fire several more shots before calmly walking away.
Witnesses informed police that Tucker was known to sell drugs in the area but had not been seen since the morning of the shooting. One witness was able to identify Tucker from a photo array. Based on the evidence gathered, an arrest was made. Tucker was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder, possessing an instrument of a crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. During an interview with investigators, Tucker admitted to following Hartzell but claimed there were other people present in the yard, a statement contradicted by the video evidence. He was held in Chester County Prison without bail.
