Teen charged in Lancaster park shooting waives hearing as case moves to county court
Lancaster, PA – A teenager accused of shooting another juvenile in the face during an argument near a city park has allowed his case to advance after waiving a preliminary hearing last week, setting the stage for further proceedings in county court.
On November 6, Jay-Quan Edward Williams, 16, of the 300 block of East Liberty Street, waived his preliminary hearing before Judge Adam Witkonis. Williams is charged with attempted criminal homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count each of recklessly endangering another person, possession of a firearm by a minor, firearms not to be carried without a license, and persons not to possess a firearm.
The charges stem from an October 8 incident near Culliton Park in the 200 block of West Strawberry Street. Police responded shortly after 3 p.m. and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the cheek that caused significant damage to the jaw. The victim was transported to a local hospital and required surgery.
Investigators reviewed video from the area that appears to show Williams among a group of juveniles, including the victim. The interaction escalated before the teen allegedly displayed a firearm from his waistband. The video shows the victim walking away and speaking with a bystander before a single shot was fired and Williams fled the scene.
Williams is not legally permitted to carry a concealed weapon due to his age. He remains at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center on $250,000 bail.
Officer Brandon McCormick of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police filed the charges. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Key Points:
- Lancaster teen waived preliminary hearing in shooting near Culliton Park
- Victim was shot in the face and required surgery
- Williams held in youth facility on $250,000 bail as case advances to county court