Attempted Murder Charge Filed After Robbery Victim Shot In Delco

CHESTER, PA — A 20-year-old Delaware County man has been charged with attempted murder, robbery, and more in connection with a late December incident in Chester, authorities said.

Authorities announced Wanyaa Powell, 20, of Chester, is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, theft, and related charges, including firearms charges.

Powell is accused of robbing and shooting a person in the back of the neck in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, 2020 in Chester.

On that day, Chester Police were called to Crozier Chester Medical Center for report of a gunshot victim.

Authorities said the victim was able to identify the shooter as Powell and told detectives that after robbing the victim, Powell told the victim to turn around, saying "I gotta kill you bro, because I don’t want to go to jail."

According to authorities, Powell then took the victim’s Xbox, cell phone, and car keys and fled the scene.

Detectives were able to confirm that Powell had outstanding warrants for his arrest, one out of the City of Chester for drug violations, and a second warrant out of Salem County, New Jersey for robbery.

Authorities later executed a search warrant on Powell's home. During the search, authorities aid they found the victim's belongings.

Powell was committed to George W. Hill Correctional Facility after failing to post 10 percent of $750,000 bail.

His preliminary hearing scheduled for March 24.