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James Gerard Becker III

Death by Force
Case Description
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James Gerard Becker III, a 17-year-old male student at CAPA High School in Philadelphia, PA, tragically died on March 5, 2015. Becker was shot in the midsection by his friend, 17-year-old Ivan Oberholtzer, while they were playing with a gun at Becker's home in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. The incident occurred on a day when both boys were home from school due to a snowstorm. Despite efforts to save him, Becker succumbed to his injuries at Hahnemann University Hospital.

Oberholt ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (5)
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  • 6abc Philadelphia: Friend charged as adult in shooting death of Kensington teen
  • Friend charged as adult in shooting death of Kensington teen - 6ABC
    •     ...View 3 additional sources
    Victim Details

    James Gerard Becker III

    Male

    Philadelphia

    PA

    2015-03-05

    17

    James

    Gerard Becker III

    11/04/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I feel deeply for James and Ivan's families. This is such a complex and saddening case; it's always ... ...Read More
    04/04/2024
    Hey everyone,
    I've been thinking a lot about the aftermath of the tragic incident involving James... ...Read More
    03/07/2024
    I've been thinking a lot about the role of gun safety education, especially in cases like James Beck... ...Read More
    01/24/2023
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