A CALL FOR JUSTICE
FRIENDS RALLY FOR UPLAND MAN WHO WAS SHOT TO DEATH
As family and friends gather today for Jeffrey Yingling’s funeral services, their certain grief will undoubtedly be compounded by frustration that’s been escalating since his May 2 shooting death on Bridgewater Road in Aston.
Many of the same mourners gathered Wednesday night, first to meet with a detective leading the ongoing investigation into Yingling’s homicide. Later, they gathered in candlelight at the scene of Yingling’s death, where they added mementos to a roadside memorial, recited the “Our Father” prayer, and reflected on Yingling’s life.
Yingling, 44, of Upland, was remembered as a social butterfly, a country music fan so devoted he knew the words to every song, and a world history buff. He was a hard worker and a loyal friend who treated people the same. He was handsome and funny. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes.
“He had a big smile … it lit up a room,” said Eddie Laubsch, a longtime friend, as well as the owner of a construction business where Yingling worked. “He had his struggles … He had a big heart, but he was not the same since he lost his mom.”
He was also a beloved brother.
“I’m OK,” sister Jennifer Yingling said as she reached out to embrace a friend on Bridgewater Road Wednesday night. Her eyes, puffy from crying, contradicted her words.
“I just can’t accept it,” she said later, referring to her brother’s senseless death.
“This whole situation is just wrong,” said Dominic Pell, a friend of Yingling’s for at least 15 years.
“Let’s not forget him,” said Laubsch. “Pray that justice comes for the guy that did this.”
While there is no question as to the identity of the man who shot the unarmed father of two girls, ages 16 and 7, multiple times, the gunman’s “mindset” at the time of the shooting and other issues are apparently complicating the ongoing investigation by Detective Joseph Nardone of the Aston Township Police Department and Detective Thomas Scarpato of the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division.
Delaware County Medical Examiner Dr. Fredric Hellman ruled Yingling’s death a homicide – defined as a death at the hand of another, but not synonymous with murder as defined under the Pennsylvania criminal code.
“This investigation remains active,” Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland said Wednesday afternoon, quelling widespread rumors that she already closed the case after deciding not to pursue any criminal charges against the unidentified triggerman.
Copeland declined to elaborate – or speculate.
A ‘tough’ case
Nardone met Wednesday evening with a group of about 40 of Yingling’s friends, all desperate for answers, and all hopeful for justice they believe Yingling deserves.
Their intent was to march from the parking lot of Planet Fitness to the Aston police headquarters a short distance away on Pennell Road to meet with investigators, but Nardone came to the group instead. For about 30 minutes, Nardone fielded questions ranging from the gunman’s identity to investigation strategy and charging protocols.
Because no charges have been filed at this time, the name of the gunman has not been released by authorities. As for strategy, Nardone said “no way” would he disclose what he was doing, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy.
“I was still conducting interviews today,” Nardone told the peaceful but emotional group.
“It is just hard for everybody,” said Melissa Guglielmo, who looked up to Yingling like a brother. “Jeff isn’t here to tell his (side of the) story.”
According to Nardone, the current status of the investigation is based on what he described as “really good independent witnesses” to the shooting.
Any new information, Nardone said, could affect the outcome of the investigation.
But ultimately, the decision to file charges is up to the district attorney, he said.
“This isn’t a who-done-it” but at the same time, “it’s a tough, tough case,” Nardone said. “Is it shocking? Yeah, it is.”
Investigation update
Based on a prepared “statement/update” provided by Nardone on Wednesday, and other official documentation, the following account was provided:
It was at 5:50 p.m. on May 2 that Aston police responded to Bridgewater Road and Judy Way for a report of a shooting that just occurred. Paramedic David Reynolds pronounced Yingling dead at the scene at 5:56 p.m. Detectives later learned that about 10 minutes prior to the shooting, Yingling, while a passenger in a vehicle returning home from work, spotted a disabled vehicle in the area of Bridgewater and Creek roads. Yingling believed he recognized the driver as someone who had wronged him in September of 2017. Yingling returned
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