UPPER DARBY, Pa. (AP) — An Upper Darby man is set to spend at least a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a shooting and robbery at a SEPTA trolley station, which officials described as a “drug deal gone bad.” According to Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, 23-year-old Jamel Davis arranged to buy marijuana but attempted to steal the product from the drug dealer instead. This theft quickly escalated into a robbery, culminating in Davis shooting the would-be seller.
Following the shooting, Davis fled the scene, but the Upper Darby Police Department’s surveillance video and forensic evidence led to his swift arrest. Davis pleaded guilty to multiple first-degree felonies, including robbery, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and conspiracy to robbery. He awaits sentencing and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison for his crimes.
Stollsteimer expressed his shock at the violent turn of events, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He condemned Davis’s actions, highlighting the potential danger posed to the victim and the broader community. Stollsteimer praised the Upper Darby Police Department for their efforts in swiftly identifying and apprehending the perpetrator.
The case serves as a cautionary reminder of the risks and consequences associated with criminal activity. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement efforts in maintaining public safety and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. As the legal process unfolds, the impact of this incident on the community and the justice system remains paramount.