Against a backdrop of tragedy and violence, Christmas Eve in York County, Pennsylvania, brought a shocking event where a 23-year-old was shot to death in the parking lot of a Sheetz gas station on North George Street, East Manchester Township. The shooting occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m., which surprised the local community when it was supposed to be enjoying the peace of a holiday night.
York County Regional Police say the shooting was not an indiscriminate event but a targeted one. First responders also arrived at the scene and tried to revive the victim using CPR but the man was declared dead at the scene. The victim was later identified to be Tivory Bartlett a resident in Douglassville in Berks County. An autopsy revealed Bartlett had died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Two Men Now Charged with Murder
After extensive research, police have charged two men with murder for the shooting. Search warrants are out for the arrest of Ajanii Lemar Barnes, 19, and Tajai Makeise Robert Scott, 25. Both men are charged with a range of crimes, including murder, robbery, and conspiracy.
Scott has been charged with first and second degree murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit murder & robbery, criminal use of a communication device, and illegal possession of a firearm. Barnes is charged with second-degree murder conspiracy, robbery, and criminal use of a communication facility. Both suspects are still being trailed, and authorities are calling upon the public to provide tips that may lead to their arrest.
Timeline of the Shooting Revealed
From surveillance footage and witness accounts, investigators were able to retrieve the timeline leading up to Bartlett’s murder. Around 17:01 hours, Bartlett turned into a Honda Accord in the Sheetz parking lot and reversed into a parking space. A few minutes later, a Hyundai sedan with the two suspects entered his space.
Tajai Scott left the Hyundai at 5:5 p.m. and got into the front passenger seat of Bartlett’s car. After one minute, Barnes climbed into the rear seat on the driver’s side. On the video, it is shown that at about 5:09 p.m., the Honda shot forward suddenly from a standstill and crashed into a parked vehicle. Doing so, Scott was witnessed shooting a number of shots at Bartlett from within the car before he then exited the driver’s window.
Barnes left the car and ran behind the Sheetz building a few moments later. Scott climbed through the damaged window, holding a gun, and went back to the Hyundai. Barnes rejoined him there, and the car soon left the parking lot: its plate decal could be easily captured on surveillance cameras.
Key Evidence Recovered
The police recovered two cellphones from the car of Bartlett, recognised as those of Scott and Barnes. Also, several IDs belonging to Scott were found at the scene, making the three men suspects in the murder more explicit. Investigators think that the shooting may have been an attempted robbery gone bad.
Sources have confirmed this was a planned intrusion, from communication logs and their coordination of arrival and exit. York County DA’s office is prosecuting, and the police are still working closely with regional and state agencies to find the suspects.
Community Response and Call for Justice
The shooting shook the community, which is unusual since it happened during Christmas Eve, the day that is supposed to be peaceful and merry. York County officials have, however, emphasized that the public is not thought to be in danger, as this was a targeted attack, and they’re pleading with anyone who has information to step forward.
If you have any leads on the case, you can contact the York County Regional Police Department or make a confidential tip through their CrimeWatch online portal.
As the search for the suspects continues, the family of Tivory Bartlett is left grieving during what should have been a joyful season. They, along with the community, now wait for justice to be served.
