WB NAACP statement on fatal shooting

WILKES-BARRE - Ron Felton, president of the Wilkes-Barre NAACP issued a statement today on the shooting death of 14-year-old Tyler Winstead. 

The statement follows:

Wednesday a candlelight vigil was held on Public Square by the Wilkes-Barre NAACP, and the Peace Center in a show of support to the family of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17 year old who was shot and murdered on February 26, 2012. Trayvon was shot and murdered while returning from the store with a bag of Skittles, and a iced tea. His parents are seeking justice in that the man who murdered their son is arrested and brought to justice.

Less than forty-eight hours after the candlelight vigil, another innocent unarmed 14-year-old boy was shot, and murdered less than three doors from his home. The victim of a drive-by shooting, I’m deeply disturbed, and depressed by this shooting since I know the family of this young boy, Tyler Winstead. This most recent violent incident has occurred right in our own backyard on Hill Street in Wilkes-Barre. My most sincere and deepest sympathies are extended to the family in their period of mourning.

Dr. Scott Richardson, of the Diversity Institute, Misericordia University, made mention of this exact type of violence during the candlelight vigil. Already, I’ve received a call from a concerned citizen offering their support in a public protest of this violent act. However, at this point, I encourage anyone with information that can assist law enforcement in capturing, and bringing those responsible to justice, to contact the Wilkes-Barre Police Department (570) 208-4200. I would like to applaud Mayor Thomas Leighton for the urgency, and priority he has assigned to this case.