Police have identified the 14-year-old Pennsylvania boy shot and killed in a triple shooting in Bensalem Tuesday night, according to reports.
Peter Romano was one of three teenagers struck by gunfire in the area of Bristol Pike and Woodbine Avenue shortly after 7:30 p.m.
Bensalem police said Romano, a student at Cecelia Snyder Middle School, suffered gunshot wounds to the chest. He was pronounced dead at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.
A verified GoFundMe fundraiser for Romano’s funeral expenses said:
“Peter was a 14 year old boy who enjoyed doing everything a 14 year old boy loved to do. A sudden loss like [this] is very heavy and devastating.”
Officers discovered the teens after responding to reports of an unruly crowd of about 30 young people, some of whom were fighting.
Two other teens, ages 19 and 17, were treated at Jefferson Torresdale for gunshot injuries.
Police did not release their names.
Police said the 19-year-old was treated for a wound to his lower extremities and was released on Tuesday night. The 17-year-old will have surgery for injuries to both legs.
Police are still searching for the shooter, who fired from a vehicle that was parked nearby before it fled north on Bristol Pike.
William McVey, the public safety director for Bensalem police, said that a majority of the teenagers at the gathering were from Bensalem. He added that some of them may have been out that evening because of Halloween.
“You’ve got thousands of kids walking around, they go out trick-or-treating or whatever, then kids start posting where they’re at,” McVey said, discussing the role of social media in youth gatherings. “Nowadays, when they post something, it’s instantaneous.”
McVey said investigators were reviewing security footage to aid their search for the suspect.
The Bensalem Township School District is offering support to students and staff. The district will assist the joint investigation between Bensalem police and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
“We’re urging anyone who was there who has any bit of information, please come forword,” McVey said.
Samuel Lee, superintendent of Bensalem School District, called the shooting “deeply troubling and distressing” in a community letter. He mentioned that mental health services were made available for students and staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected individuals and their families during this incredibly challenging time,” Lee wrote.
Authorities ask that anyone with information contact Detective. Brian Oliverio at 215-633-3669 or Detective Larry Leith at 215-633-3713 or submit an anonymous tip at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd.
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