PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding the person responsible for fatally shooting a recent Pennridge High School grad.
Jason Kutt, 18, was shot in Nockamixon State Park on Saturday just after 5 p.m. At the time of the shooting, he was sitting with his girlfriend near Lake Nockamixon.
“Jason Kutt was shot while sitting with his girlfriend on the edge of Old Ridge Road, in front of the lake in Nockamixon State Park, just waiting for the sun to set,” said District Attorney Matt Weintraub.
Someone fired a single shot, which hit Kutt in the neck.
“The girlfriend reported looking up Old Ridge Road as that occurred after Jason was shot and observed a male in an orange vest, which she described as hunting clothing, standing behind the yellow gate on Old Ridge Road, looking in their direction,” Weintraub said. She also saw the man walk away.
The girl called 911, and Kutt was rushed to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem.
Kutt’s family took him off of life support on Monday, and his organs have been donated to keep others alive.
Now, investigators are searching for the shooter, though Weintraub noted the investigation is not officially a homicide.
“Something can be a homicide by accident and still be an accidental shooting, but I do not want to prejudge it,” he explained. “I don’t want to chill anybody from coming forward. We want to get to the truth. I don’t want anybody to be defensive if they have nothing to be defensive about.”
Weintraub is urging whoever pulled the trigger to come forward.
“If you are, in fact, responsible, and you have an explanation and you have a version of events that you would like us to consider, please come forward,” he added. “Jason Kutt and his family deserve it. We’d love to hear from you, and we will not prejudge the situation until that happens.”
The park was open to the public that day, but hunters were also allowed on the premises to hunt for deer with muzzleloaders, or to hunt for deer and small animals with rifles.
“If you were in Nockamixon State Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the area of Old Ridge Road, either hunting or enjoying the day in the sun, or if you witnessed anything related to this incident, please contact us,” Weintraub emphasized.
Tip calls have already been coming in. Witnesses can call 215-348-6868 or submit a tip online.