Norristown Teen Charged With Murder In Killing Of Innocent Bystander

NORRISTOWN, PA — Police have announced an arrest warrant and a reward for a suspect in the killing of an innocent bystander during an October shooting in Norristown.

Damien Wilson, 18, of Norristown, was charged with first degree murder. A $5,000 reward has been posted for information leading to his arrest, the Montgomery County District Attorney's office said.

The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 on the 800 block of Arch Street.

A lengthy investigation involving text data, cell phone records, and surveillance footage revealed that Wilson's intended target was Christopher Hall, with whom he had an "issue" related to a July shooting where Wilson was shot in the leg, police said.

Police also obtained audio and video calls between Wilson and a man named Deonte Kelly, who was recently arrested and charged with two killings in Pottstown. Kelly is Wilson's cousin.

Surveillance footage shows the victim, 47-year-old Norristown resident Anthony Vitelli, walking with another man in the parking lot of the Jefferson Court Apartments, police said.

A separate group of three people stand in the back of the lot. As the pair approach the sidewalk in the back of the lot that runs behind the apartment building, between Arch and Smith streets, shots are fired, according to authorities.

In the video, police said that a man appears from the area holding a gun, wearing a black hoodie and face mask, along with pink socks. He then fires several shots at the separate group of three, the group standing in the corner of the lot, before sprinting away toward Arch Street.

Vitelli was taken to Paoli Hospital where he was declared dead.

Wilson is also wanted for aggravated assault and strangulation of his ex-girlfriend in a Norristown residence in late August. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you see him, call 911. If you have any information, call the Norristown Police Department at 610-270-0977 or call Montgomery County Detectives at 610-226-5553.