On February 17, 2023, at approximately 12:57 p.m., officers from the City of Chester Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on the unit block of East 17th Street in Chester, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, they discovered 18-year-old Eriq Xavier Morrison Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, Morrison succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Morrison, born on July 1, 2004, was a senior at William Penn High School, anticipating graduation in May 2023.
He was employed at UPS and actively participated in his community through volunteer work at Newark Church of Christ and involvement with Ezion Fair Baptist Church.
Following an investigation, on May 31, 2024, Chester Police arrested a 16-year-old male suspect in connection with Morrison's death. The juvenile was charged with murder and related offenses and was subsequently detained at the Abraxas Youth Center in South Mountain, Pennsylvania.
Additionally, reports indicate that a 16-year-old male from Maryland, identified as Jaleer Fletcher, was also charged with third-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy in connection with Morrison's death. Fletcher waived his preliminary hearing, and certain charges were dropped pending a future out-of-court hearing.
The arrests highlight the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in addressing gun violence involving youth. The community continues to mourn the loss of a promising young individual whose life was tragically cut short.
