The Bensalem Township Police Department identified the teenage boy who was shot dead on Halloween evening.
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Police identified the deceased as 14-year-old Pietro “Peter” Romano, a Snyder Middle School student and Bensalem Township resident.
Romano suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia, police said.
The two other victims, ages 17 and 19, were also caught in the gunfire. The 19-year-old male was treated for wounds to his lower extremities and released from the hospital last night. The 17-year-old victim remains hospitalized in stable condition and is scheduled for surgery to address injuries to both legs. police said.
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Family members of all three victims have been notified and are being kept informed about the ongoing investigation.
The shooting occurred at 7:35 pm on Halloween when police were called to the scene at Route 13 and Woodbine Avenue after reports of a large group of juveniles fighting.
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Officers found the three victims at the location, and they were transported to the hospital by Bensalem Township EMS.
Witnesses at the scene indicated that the shots were fired from a vehicle parked at Woodbine Avenue and Route 13, according to investigators.
The vehicle fled northbound on Route 13 at high speed immediately after the shooting, police said.
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The Bensalem Township Police, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bensalem Township School District are working together in the investigation.
The Bensalem Township School District is providing support to students and staff affected by the shooting.
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Authorities are urging parents to talk to their children and use available resources if they require assistance coping with the event.
Bensalem Township police asked anyone with additional information to contact Detective Brian Oliverio 215-633-3669 or Detective Larry Leith 215-633-3713. Tips can be provided anonymously at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd.
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Below is the Bensalem Township School District’s letter to the community:
Dear Bensalem Township Community,
Today, I write to address a deeply troubling and distressing incident that occurred within our community. It is with a heavy heart that I share that Pietro Romano, a 14-year-old Snyder student, was tragically killed last evening. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected individuals and their families during this incredibly challenging time.
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members are of the utmost importance to us. We understand the profound impact that such traumatic events can have on our community, and we are committed to providing the support and resources needed to heal and recover.
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We have taken immediate steps to address the emotional and psychological needs of our students and staff. Counseling support is available to our students and staff members who may be struggling to cope with the emotional aftermath of this incident.
Our mental health teams, consisting of trained professionals, were available today and will continue to be available as long as necessary to offer counseling, guidance, and a safe space for students and staff to express their feelings, ask questions, and find support.
Additional mental health resources are available at www.bensalemsd.org/mentalhealthresources/.
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Please remember that you are not alone during this difficult time. Reach out to us, your friends, your neighbors, and to any support systems you may have.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we remain unwavering in our support.
Sincerely,
Samuel Lee, Ed.D.
District Superintendent
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