Teen Cleared Of Charges In Deadly SEPTA Shooting By Video Footage

PHILADELPHIA — A teenage boy has released from custody after being charged in connection with a deadly SEPTA shooting after video from the scene showed he was not involved, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

Zaire Wilson, 16, and Quadir Humphrey, 18, were both arrested and charged in connection with the fatal Jan. 11 shooting of Tyshaun Welles, 16, on the 15th Street Station platform that evening.

However, the DA's office said SEPTA surveillance video and additional information indicate that Humphrey acted alone on Jan. 11 and that Wilson was not involved in any gunfire.

Wilson was initially charged with aggravated assault, simple assault conspiracy, and related offenses, and a criminal homicide charge was later added to his case.

The surveillance footage, which was not available to the DA's Office at the time of Wilson’s arrest, shows Wilson was clearly not involved in the shooting and murder of Welles, authorities said.

After reviewing the video and conducting witness interviews, the DA’s Office on Feb. 28 requested a hearing before the Hon. Joffie Pittman, who granted a hearing the following morning.

The next day, prosecutors withdrew all charges against Wilson and Pittman approved an order for him to be immediately released from custody.

Humphrey is accused of firing into a crowd of mostly young people, striking Welles, on the platform.

Welles succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 16.

Humphrey is charged with murder and related crimes in connection with the shooting.

"After an ongoing investigation made clear that a 16-year-old was in custody for a crime he did not commit, Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci acted quickly to alert DA’s Office supervisors, Municipal Court leadership, and the Juvenile Justice Services Center to ensure that Zaire Wilson was released and reunited with his family within 36 hours," District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "When presented with evolving or new information, the criminal legal system should move as quickly in the interest of justice – whether that means being prepared to meet the Commonwealth’s burden at trial or releasing from detention people who did not actually participate in a crime."