Apr 19, 2008 6:36 pm US/Eastern
Police Look For Suspects In Boy's Shooting Death
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Police continue the search today for the gunman who shot and killed a 12-year-old boy in front of a Wilkinsburg store on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, in the hours following Kholen Germany's death, small makeshift tributes and sympathy messages have been posted to the security gate outside the local store.
According to the Medical Examiner's Office, Germany died from a gunshot wound to the trunk.
Police say Germany was standing in front of the 'From Head To Toe' shop on Wood Street around 7 p.m. Friday when someone fired shots from across the street. At least half a dozen shell casings were recovered across the street from the store, authorities add.
Investigators say they believe someone standing across the street fired the shots that hit Germany, and also struck a car outside.
Authorities say the victim was wounded in the shoulder and apparently ran into the rear of the store after he was hit. The store owner immediately called for help.
"There were three customers in the store at the time of the shooting and when the police came, they were already gone," said Assistant Superintendent Jim Morton, of the Allegheny County Police. "We're looking for those three individuals to come fourth with any information they have. This is an innocent 12-year-old victim, that's why we're asking for the public's help on this."
The boy was rushed to Children's Hospital for treatment, but died overnight.
Police also say that Germany just happened to be in the area and was not the intended target.
Officials say Germany performed odd jobs for some of the businesses along Wood Street like sweeping or taking out the trash, when he finished school for the say. He was a 5th grader at the Kelly School.
"From information I was able to ascertain from our administrators, he was a quiet student, well-liked, decent grades, and just a good, just an average, good student," said Wilkinsburg School Superintendent Archie Perrin.
Perrin says grief counselors will be at both the Kelly School, and the middle school in Wilkinsburg on Monday.
Stay with KDKA for the latest developments.
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