Teen girl charged in fatal shooting of ex-boyfriend in Jenkintown home
A 15-year-old girl is facing murder charges after police say she shot and killed her 17-year-old ex-boyfriend inside his home in the Jenkintown section of Abington Township, Montgomery County.
The victim, identified as Baseem Baker, died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy. Authorities say the shooting occurred Monday afternoon and that the suspect, Precious Hamilton of Crum Lynne, said the incident was an accident.
Officers responded to the home on Old York Road shortly after 5 p.m. Baker's mother told investigators she had left Hamilton and her son at the residence while she ran errands around 2:40 p.m. She returned around 4:30 p.m. and discovered her son unresponsive on the bedroom floor about 30 minutes later.
Police say surveillance video shows Hamilton leaving the building alone just before 3:30 p.m. In the criminal complaint, Hamilton stated she "produced the firearm in a rapid fashion and was surprised when the revolver discharged," striking Baker instantly. It allegedly happened as she was gathering her belongings to leave.
Detectives also recovered a photo of Hamilton holding a gun from Baker's iPad. A cousin of Baker who had also been at the home over the weekend told police Hamilton had also shown them a handgun with live rounds.
Police have not recovered the weapon, but say Hamilton admitted to stealing the gun from an acquaintance two months ago.
"It's definitely something that you wouldn't expect in this area," said Chris R. of Cheltenham Township. "It's unfortunate for anybody to undertake or go through that."
Kyree Grimes Jr., a 14-year-old neighbor, said he saw police cars outside the building and immediately called a friend. "I was like, 'Yo, it's cops here-what happened?' He was like he don't know but he heard shots in the building and then people were screaming," Grimes said. He added, "I feel as that kids shouldn't be near weapons."
Christian Marshall of Jenkintown said, "I think what it is when it comes down to it, parents should be watching their kids more closely."
Hamilton is being charged as an adult. She faces third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and several other charges.
