Video leads cops to arrest brothers for shooting
DARBY BOROUGH » While a borough teen recuperates from multiple gunshot wounds, two brothers have been arrested in connection with the shooting that police suspect is rooted in a local gang that targets random victims for money.
James Benton, 18, and his 17-year-old brother were taken into custody Tuesday morning after police in SWAT gear stormed their borough home at 6 a.m., armed with warrants, Police Chief Robert Smythe said. While both are charged with attempted homicide and related offenses, the younger brother’s case is being handled through juvenile court.
At the time of his arrest, the younger brother was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor. Smythe was not aware of his criminal history, nor would be at liberty to disclose a juvenile record.
James Benton, according to Smythe, has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited to possess a firearm.
According to Smythe, the brothers were identified as suspects by surveillance video provided by businesses in the 200 block of North MacDade Boulevard where the incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. Friday.
“We were able to ID them before the shooting, and during the shooting,” Smythe said of the brothers. “The victim was hit with the first shot and ran between two cars and collapses. (James) Benton came and stood over him and fired three more times.”
The victim was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery Friday night. A second surgery was performed Saturday.
“He is very lucky to be alive,” Smythe said, describing the victim’s condition as of Tuesday night as stable but critical.
“This was just a random shooting,” Smythe said. “The victim was walking down the street when he was approached” by the suspects.
There is no indication the victim knew his assailants.
Smythe suspects the brothers are part of the “Let’s Get Money,” or LGM gang. Though the gang has been causing problems in the borough for a couple years, Smythe is concerned they are becoming more brazen.
Calling them “a bunch of street thugs who terrorize people,” Smythe issued a warning.
“If they want to have that mentality, take it someplace else. We are not having it,” he said. “(James Benton) shot someone at 10 o’clock Friday night and he was in custody at 6 o’clock Monday morning.”
According to Smythe, investigators also recovered ammunition for two firearms at the residence. No firearms were found.
The brothers’ parents and a younger sibling were at home when police arrived. No other charges were filed.
James Benton’s criminal history was not immediately available.
Additionally, Smythe was at a loss to explain why the juvenile’s home-monitoring ankle device failed to notify authorities when he apparently moved outside of his permitted range.
“That’s a good question,” the chief said.