Shell casings
Bullet casings at a crime scene-stock photo

Pennsylvania Teen Brothers harged as Adults in September Shooting

LANCASTER, Pa. — Two teenage brothers from Lancaster have been charged as adults in connection with a shooting last month in a residential neighborhood. Alexander Whisman, 17, and Joshua Whisman, 16, are accused of firing handguns outside their home in the 300 block of East New Street shortly after 9 p.m. on Sept. 16.

Footage from Lancaster Safety Coalition cameras reportedly captured the teenagers shooting at two males from their front porch. Authorities said one of the bullets struck an occupied home across the street, though no injuries were reported.

The brothers, who are not legally permitted to possess firearms due to their age, face a series of charges including two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of conspiracy, three firearms offenses, and four misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person. The decision to charge them as adults was made because the offenses involved the use of a deadly weapon, elevating the charges to first-degree felonies.

Both were taken into custody last Thursday and are currently held at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center on $200,000 bail each. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15 before Magisterial District Judge Andrew Lefever.

The incident is under investigation, and no further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting have been released by law enforcement.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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