One teen pleads guilty in concourse attack
One of the five teens charged with third-degree murder and conspiracy in the fatal attack on Center City Starbucks manager Sean Patrick Conroy pleaded guilty this afternoon. Rasheem Bell, 17, entered his guilty pleas on the two charges before Common Pleas Judge Benjamin Lerner. He is to be sentenced at a later date.
One of the five teens charged with third-degree murder and conspiracy in the fatal attack on Center City Starbucks manager Sean Patrick Conroy pleaded guilty this afternoon.
Rasheem Bell, 17, entered his guilty pleas on the two charges before Common Pleas Judge Benjamin Lerner. He is to be sentenced at a later date.
The four other defendants - Arthur Alston, Ameer Best, Nashir Fisher and Kinta Stanton - still face trial in the case.
About 2:30 p.m. March 26, Conroy was walking on the city-owned part of the underground concourse near 13th and Market streets, near the SEPTA train platform, when he was punched and kicked by the group of teens at random, authorities have said.
Conroy, 36, died of a fatal asthma attack triggered by the assault. He was pronounced dead at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital about half an hour later. He had been heading to the Starbucks where he worked at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown at 12th and Market streets.
His father, Stephen Conroy, said after the plea hearing: "We're very happy that somebody stepped up and took responsibility here."
Mother Sharon Conroy added: "Hopefully, this is the first day of atonement."
Bell's attorney, Allan Sagot, said his client pleaded guilty today "because he is guilty."
Sagot added: "My client has been very remorseful since the date of this incident. He wants to do what's right before the court and in the eyes of God."
Assistant District Attorney Jacqueline Juliano Coelho said she was "pleased he [Bell] accepted responsibility for his actions."