A Lansdowne teen was days away from his senior year when he was killed in a shooting, police say
Lansdowne police are still searching for the killers of Richard DeShield. The 18-year-old's family said he was looking forward to the school year and had plans to join the Army after graduation.
Richard Nelson DeShield should be starting his senior year at Penn Wood High School, suiting up for football practice, and looking forward to life after graduation, his family said Monday.
But all of that was taken from him by a gunman who shot and killed him on Sept. 8, five days after his 18th birthday, officials said.
A Lansdowne police officer patrolling the area near North Wycombe and Blackburn avenues saw two teens standing next to DeShield’s car as he sat inside it about 10:30 p.m., authorities said, when shots rang out.
Struck multiple times, DeShield sped forward and crashed the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The teens fled into a nearby apartment building, police said. Officers detained two people last week for questioning, but Lansdowne Police Chief Ken Rutherford said Monday that no charges have been filed, and the case remains under investigation.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” Rutherford said. “There is no taking back the loss of a young life, and our department will work diligently to determine what happened and hold those responsible accountable.”
DeShield was one of four children and the only son, said his older sister Christine.
He was an avid football player throughout his preteen and teenage years, and was preparing to suit up in number 85 for his senior year as a linebacker for Penn Wood High.
His loved ones held a vigil Sunday evening at their home in Lansdowne, releasing balloons with his football jersey number in his memory.
“He was a good friend, good student, good son,” Christine Browne said, adding that she was helping him prepare his application to join the Army after graduation.
DeShield’s mother, Wanita Browne, said she was too heartbroken to comment on her son’s slaying. But in a GoFundMe she started to help cover funeral costs, she described him as “a down-to-earth, friendly person who cared deeply for his friends and family.”
The online fundraiser drew support from former coaches, teammates, and friends who expressed shock and outrage at the crime that took DeShield’s life.
Lansdowne police ask that anyone with information about the shooting to call them at 610-623-0700.
