POTTSTOWN, PA – A 15-year-old, Thomas James Niarhos, faces first-degree murder and other charges following the fatal shooting of a homeless man, Jeremiah Hawkins, 39, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and Pottstown Police Chief Mick Markovich announced the charges.
The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses and surveillance video indicate Niarhos confronted Hawkins, leading to an altercation. During the confrontation, Hawkins reportedly swung a tire at Niarhos, who was armed with a gun. Niarhos fired the weapon, striking Hawkins, who was later pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the head, as confirmed by the coroner’s office.
Niarhos was detained at the scene by bystanders and later arrested by police. Officers recovered a .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm, identified as belonging to Niarhos’ father. The teen was arraigned Wednesday as an adult, facing charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor, and possession of a weapon.