PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A man has been arrested in Delaware County on accusations that he murdered a 15-year-old boy after telling him he could have a gun.
Mark Laird, 18 from Boothwyn, was arrested Tuesday in the shooting death of Reuben Rosado. Laird faces charges of criminal homicide, first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and related firearms charges, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.
He is being held without bail, and his preliminary hearing has been set for May 5.
On March 16, Trainer Borough Police officers found Rosado's body in a wooded area of Henry Johnson Park.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said Rosado was shot in the back of the head.
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Investigators also found the victim's phone. According to a police criminal complaint, Rosado had been in contact with Mark Laird, 18 from Boothwyn, more than 30 times in prior weeks.
The DA's office said a witness claims Laird told them he was "carrying a burden," and allegedly knew what happened to Rosado.
The witness told investigators that Laird had said he hid a gun in the park and told Rosado he could have it.
Once the two were in the park, Laird allegedly told Rosado where he could find it. Investigators believe that when Rosado turned around, Laird shot him.
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Those investigators said they connected Laird's phone to the area of the park where the teen was killed.
The DA's office also said a second person told investigators that Laird admitted to them he shot the victim.
At this time, authorities have not established a motive for the killing.
Law enforcement recovered a gun when they arrested Laird. Officials said he was prohibited from carrying the gun, due to other offenses.
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