Murder Charges Filed In Delco Teen's 'Execution': DA

TRAINER, PA — An 18-year-old man from Delaware County has been charged in connection with the March shooting death of a 15-year-old boy, authorities said.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said Mark Laird, 18, of Boothwyn, is charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first and third degree, and related firearms charges.

Laird is accused of shooting and killing Reuben Rosado, 15, on March 15 in Trainer's Henry Johnson Park, in what Stollsteimer called an "execution."

According to the DA's office, Laird told Rosado he stashed a gun in the park and that Rosado could have it.

The two went to Henry Johnson Park Township Line Road and Veterans Drive on March 15.

When Laird showed Rosado where the gun was hidden, but when Rosado turned around, Laird shot him, authorities said.

Police were called to the park March 16 for a report of a deceased person and found Rosado's body in a wooded area of the park, according to authorities. Police also found a cell phone and a fired bullet casing in the park.

A witness told authorities Laird told them he was "carrying a burden" and that he knew what had happened to the victim, according to authorities.

That same witness identified Laird in a photo array, authorities said.

Delaware County Juvenile Probation have investigators Laird's phone number, and a forensic examination showed Rosado was in contact with Laird 34 times between Jan. 17 and March 8.

After getting a search warrant for Laird's cell phone data, authorities said Laird's cell phone was in the area of the crime scene at the time of Rosado’s murder.

Additionally, data from Rosado's cell phone showed the phone was at the crime scene at the time of his murder.

When Laird was taken into custody Sunday, authorities found a semi-automatic firearm, which Laird was prohibited from carrying due to multiple adjudications for offenses including robbery, authorities said.

A second person was stopped with Laird, and that person told authorities Laird admitted to shooting Rosado, according to the DA's office.

That same person was also in possession of a ghost gun, which he said Laird gave him.

“The cold-blooded execution of a juvenile is simply incomprehensible," Stollsteimer said. "But, tragically, that is what happened on the night of March 15. The defendant lured his victim to the park with the promise of a gun and, instead, shot him in the back of his head. Unable to keep his actions secret, the defendant then admitted to others what he had done. The defendant’s actions were senseless, as well as heartbreaking."

Laird is being held without bail at the George W. Hill Correctional facility. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 5.