The man suspected of a homicide near an elementary school in Washington County last month has been taken into custody, officials said. Trevon McCrary, 30, is accused of fatally shooting Nasstylejah Wilkerson, whose death occurred close to JFK Elementary School on April 28, sparking a broad law enforcement response.
Following a swift investigation, McCrary was arrested in McKeesport early Friday morning by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force alongside McKeesport and City of Washington police. Arrested on charges of criminal homicide, recklessly endangering another person, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, McCrary is currently being held on a federal parole detainer, as detailed by the WPXI report.
The arrest followed after police "identified and found a vehicle of interest" while processing the crime scene, according to City of Washington Police Chief Steve Devenney. In his statement, Chief Devenney explained that the "amount of evidence collected" was significant enough to apply for an arrest warrant swiftly. This was obtained in April, paving the way for McCrary's apprehension. He is set to be extradited to Washington County to face his charges, Devenney added, in a statement reported by WPXI.
At the time of the shooting, deputies from the sheriff's office were on the elementary school campus conducting their DARE program. They quickly escorted children from the playground to safety amid the gunfire. Additionally, officials from the Diocese of Pittsburgh took measures to move students inside the classrooms away from windows as a precaution, as reported by WTAE.
McCrary's arrest is a significant step as the investigation continues, with authorities determined to hold to account all who may have been involved in the incident. "make sure anyone and everyone responsible for the incident on April 28 is held accountable for their action," Chief Devenney told WPXI, signaling an ongoing commitment to justice in the wake of the tragedy that unfolded near JFK Elementary.
