Teen Headed To Court In Haverford Drug Deal Shooting

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — The teenage boy accused of shooting another teen over $150 of marijuana is slated to appear in court on felony attempted homicide charges Thursday.

James McCauley, 17, of Drexel Hill, will have his preliminary hearing on Thursday, Feb. 28, court records show.

He is facing attempted homicide, attempted murder, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, firearms without a license, possession of an instrument of crime, and receiving stolen property charges in connection with the shooting of 18-year-old Marquis Mays of Havertown.

Mays was shot in the face when an argument broke out during the alleged drug deal over one ounce of marijuana, according to authorities.

Mays was in critical condition after being shot, but according to a GoFundMe page set up to support Mays, he is making progress in his recovery and is being moved to a rehabilitation center soon.

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 an 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. Both the victim and suspect are students at Haverford High School, police said.

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.

McCauley remains in custody on $1 million bail.

The GoFundMe for Mays has generated more than its $15,000 goal, having raised $15,247 from 449 people in 11 days as of Feb. 26.