On the night of March 7, 2024, 26-year-old José Tatis Camilo was fatally shot during an armed robbery at the Sunoco gas station on North Main Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Tatis Camilo, a resident of Hazleton, had recently moved to Scranton and was at the gas station to purchase items for his fiancée. During the robbery, he was shot in the head, and a 25-year-old female employee was shot in the leg. Both victims were transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where Tatis Camilo succumbed to his injuries on March 9, 2024.
The suspect, 64-year-old Shelton Miles of Scranton, was apprehended shortly after the incident. He was initially charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and firearms violations. Following Tatis Camilo's death, the charges were upgraded to include first-degree murder. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies indicated that Miles entered the store, shot Tatis Camilo without provocation, and then demanded money from the cashier before shooting her.
Tatis Camilo's family, including his fiancée and 4-year-old daughter, were devastated by the loss. His sister, Claudia, emphasized that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, describing him as a generous individual committed to his faith and family. The family also revealed that his organs were donated to help others in need, continuing his legacy of generosity.
In the months following the incident, Miles was held without bail, awaiting trial. The case drew significant attention in the Scranton community, highlighting concerns about violent crime in the area. Community members and local authorities engaged in discussions aimed at addressing public safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future.