Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Penn Wood Student Remains at Large

Police in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, are searching for Amir Eskridge, 21, of Yeadon, who is charged with killing 18-year-old Richard DeShield Jr. Eskridge remains at large. Police had taken him into custody on the night of the shooting but released him as the investigation continued. An arrest warrant has since been issued.

On September 8, an officer heard gunfire near North Wycombe Avenue and saw two people in dark hooded clothing by a car. They fled into the adjacent Marshall House Apartments. DeShield, who was driving, crashed into a tree near North Maple Avenue. Police found him in the vehicle with several bullet injuries and declared him dead at the location.

During a search of the apartments, officers located Eskridge concealed in a basement electrical utility room, police said. Later investigative work included interviews, forensic testing, firearm analysis and examinations of cellular devices. Police are also working to identify other possible suspects.

Police Chief Kenneth Rutherford Jr. said the investigation remains active and that detectives are following leads. DeShield was hours from starting his final year at Penn Wood, where he played linebacker, and hoped to enlist in the U.S. Army. His mother, Wanda DeShield, has called for justice for her son.

Police are asking anyone with information about Eskridge’s whereabouts to call the Lansdowne Police Department at 610-623-0700.