On May 21, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a tragic shooting occurred in the 4000 block of Steltz Road in Shrewsbury Township, York County, Pennsylvania. Alexander M. Thomas, a 23-year-old resident of Shrewsbury Borough, was found deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds to the torso. A 38-year-old woman from New Freedom was also injured in the incident and transported to a local hospital; her condition was not disclosed.
The investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Zachary Piccolo from Nottingham, Maryland, was a colleague of both victims at a UPS facility in Hunt Valley. Prior to the shooting, Piccolo had been reportedly harassing the female victim through text messages and at their workplace. Approximately an hour before the incident, he sent a message stating, "I'll come over to your house," to which the woman responded, "Pull up and announce and get yourself in trouble."
Piccolo arrived at the residence and opened fire on the individuals present, including a 2-year-old child who was unharmed. After the shooting, he fled the scene in a vehicle. Through witness interviews, authorities were able to identify Piccolo as the shooter. He was apprehended without incident at his home by Maryland police, following a coordinated effort between the Pennsylvania State Police and the Baltimore County Police Department.
Piccolo was charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, recklessly endangering another person, and aggravated assault. An autopsy confirmed that Alexander Thomas's death was a homicide caused by gunshot wounds to the torso. This incident marked the ninth homicide in York County for the year 2023.
Alexander Thomas was remembered as a loving son, brother, and friend. His obituary highlighted his close-knit family relationships and the impact he had on those around him. A visitation and funeral service were held in Monkton, Maryland, where family and friends gathered to honor and celebrate his life.
