Felix Pizarro, a 19-year-old male, tragically lost his life on May 23, 2009. He was gunned down while playing a pick-up basketball game at the Pulaski Playground near the intersection of Eighth and Caldwell Streets in Chester, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred around 7 p.m., and Felix was among five individuals shot during the attack. Felix, who had recently graduated from Chester High School and was preparing to attend community college for business classes, was not involved in any criminal
activities or drug culture. He was simply enjoying a game of basketball when the shooting took place.
The shooter, James Armstrong, drove by in his cousin's car and fired 22 shots into the crowd, hitting five people, including Felix. Armstrong, described as a "monster" by Assistant District Attorney Mary Mann, had a history of indiscriminate shooting and a love for killing. Armstrong was already serving a life sentence for the 2007 murder of Eric Caldwell when he pleaded guilty to the third-degree murders of Felix Pizarro and Larry Douglas Carter in 2010. Armstrong received an additional 25 to 50 years on his sentence for these two murders.
The Pizarro family expressed their grief and the void left by Felix's untimely death. Felix's father, Felix Pizarro Sr., had warned his son to stay away from the park, which was known to be a haven for drug dealers and users. Despite his father's pleas, Felix Jr. attended the basketball game, leading to the tragic events that unfolded. The community was left in shock and mourning, with Felix's father now planning his son's funeral instead of celebrating his future achievements.
The investigation into Felix Pizarro's murder revealed that Armstrong had driven by the playground and opened fire on the crowd, causing chaos and injury. The police found a car matching the description of the vehicle used in the shooting parked at the William Penn Housing Project. However, they faced challenges in gathering information from the witnesses present at the scene, as many were reluctant to come forward. Despite these obstacles, Armstrong was eventually apprehended and brought to justice for his heinous crimes.
Felix Pizarro's death serves as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that can shatter lives and communities. His family and friends continue to mourn his loss, and the impact of his death is felt deeply by those who knew and loved him. The legal proceedings against Armstrong provided some measure of justice, but the pain and sorrow caused by Felix's untimely demise remain ever-present.
