Killing Of Phoenixville Teen Connected To Drug Deal, Robbery: DA

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Details on the shooting death of a Phoenixville teen emerged Thursday afternoon, tying his killing to a marijuana deal and robbery, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office. A manhunt is now underway for suspects connected to the death.

Jayson Ortiz-Cameron, 15, along with multiple other individuals, had been planning to commit a robbery during a drug deal at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot off Nutt Road on Wednesday night, authorities said.

A vehicle containing the shooter arrived at the scene at about 7:15 p.m. and circled the parking lot, before backing into a spot at the back of the lot, according to officials. That spot had been agreed upon as the meeting spot between the two groups before the deal, the DA's Office said.

Ortiz-Cameron, along with his friends, approached the car, police said. What began as a conversation soon turned into a full blown argument. Within minutes, one of the men in the car pulled out a silver handgun and shot Ortiz-Cameron multiple times, according to the DA.

The vehicle then fled the scene, heading onto Milligan Street and vanishing from sight at about 7:24 p.m.

Friends of Ortiz-Cameron called the police, and he was rushed to Phoenixville Hospital, just down the block, where was pronounced dead.

A manhunt for the suspects in the vehicle from which the fatal shots were fired is underway. Authorities believe that vehicle contained three or four men, including a black driver with dreadlocks, and a white man. Images of the vehicle are included above.

"We have a combined investigative team working on this case, Phoenixville Police Chief Thomas Sjostrom said Thursday. "This was not a random act of violence. We will continue to work diligently to uncover all of the case facts and evidence in order to determine the identity of the shooter."

Anyone with any information should contact Chester County Detective Joe Walton at 610-344-6866 or Phoenixville Detective Pat Mark at 610-933-1180.

"As we attempt to come to grips with the loss of this young life, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man," Phoenixville Area School District Superintendent Alan Fegley said Thursday. "This tragedy affects all of the PASD family, we will continue to provide support for any students, staff, parents, and our greater community who are in shock and mourning over our loss"

The high school is open on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students and staff to come together, the school district announced. Furthermore, Jan. 2 will be a "Day of Healing" for the school, with an assembly and additional counselors on hand throughout the day and the remainder of next week.

"Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with the PASD family," Mayor-Elect Peter Urscheler said.

The killing is the latest violent incident this year in Phoenixville. In November, a woman was stabbed multiple times in a church parking lot in the borough. And in September, a 21-year-old shot and killed Joshua Mitchell, aged 20, in Children's Plaza on Bridge Street.

For background on this story, see our coverage here.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Images via Chester County District Attorney's Office