Community Rallies Behind Haverford Teen Shooting Victim

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — The community is rallying behind 18-year-old Marquis Mays as he fights for his life after being shot in the face during an alleged drug deal gone wrong.

Mays, a Haverford High School star athlete, is in critical condition after being shot at about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the intersection of Glen Gary Drive and Rose Tree Lane in Haverford.

James McCauley, 17, also of Havertown, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, firearms without a license, possession of an instrument of crime, and receiving stolen property.

Mays is in critical condition, authorities said and now the community is looking to support him.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid the Mays family in the trying time

"All we want is for him and his loved ones to have a normal life again and I believe this can be done with the strength this kid has and any donation you are willing to give for my friend," the campaign reads. "Him and his family are in need of some financial help and any amount would be greatly appreciated."

As of Friday afternoon, more than $3,000 of the $10,000 goal has been raised.

See here to learn more about the campaign.

Authorities determined Mays and another male arranged to buy one ounce of marijuana for $150 cash from three males, including McCauley, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

Those three arrived at a pre-arranged location to meet Mays and the other person.

Mays got in the rear seat of a vehicle with the three other men purchase the one ounce of marijuana, the DA's office said.

During the exchange, one of the males in the back of the vehicle became aggressive with Mays and a physical fight ensued between the individuals, the DA's office said.

McCauley then pulled out a black semi-automatic pistol and allegedly shot the victim in the face, according to the DA's office.

After the shooting, the suspects ran and police used surveillance footage in the area to determine the suspects' identity, which led them to identify and arrest McCauley.

He was taken into custody Wednesday morning as police surveilled his home while waiting for the District Attorney's Office to issue a search warrant for the home, police said.

As a result of witness statements, ballistics evidence, and confirmed identification, McCauley was taken into custody was charged as an adult with attempted homicide and related offenses.

McCauley is being held on $1 million bail and his preliminary hearing is slated for Feb. 21.

Image via GoFundMe