Drexel Shooting: Marple Newtown Grad Facing Murder Charge

MARPLE-NEWTOWN, PA – The man accused of shooting and killing another man Tuesday night near Drexel University's campus when trying to stop a couple's argument is a Marple Newtown High School graduate and Delaware County native, Patch has learned.

Joseph Howanski, 24, of the 3800 block of Hamilton Street and a Delaware County native, has been charged
with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.

He is a 2012 Marple Newtown High School alumnus, as well as a Drexel graduate.

Howanski, who is permitted to carry a firearm in Philadelphia, was charged after allegedly shooting and killing a person while intervening in a couple's argument near Drexel University's campus Tuesday evening.

Howanski was denied bail at his Nov. 30 preliminary arraignment and is slated to appear for his preliminary hearing on Dec. 20.

In the Tuesday incident, Merlos Mukaj, 21, of the 3800 block of Spring Garden Street, died after being shot at about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 on the 3500 block of Lancaster Avenue, police said.

Mukaj and his girlfriend, a 22-year-old Paoli woman, were in a heated argument around that time, according to NBC10.

Howanski allegedly approached the couple and exchanged words with Mukaj and the two began shoving one another.

Then Howanski allegedly backed up, pulled out his firearm, and fired three rounds at Mukaj, 6ABC reports.

Police then responded to the 3500 block of Lancaster Avenue Tuesday night for a report of a disturbance on the road then a person with a gun, police said.

Upon arrival, police found Mukaj suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest.

He was taken to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:52 p.m., police said.

Image via Philadelphia Police