Coroner: Gunshot killed murder victim

Man slain in West Fallowfield was father of two sons

The Chester County Coroner’s Office completed its investigation of the death of Samuel Algarin.

WEST FALLOWFIELD » The Chester County Coroner’s Office completed its investigation of the death of Samuel Algarin, who was recently shot and killed.

Algarin was found deceased by the side of Limestone Road in West Fallowfield Township on Sept. 13. The Coroner’s Office announced an autopsy revealed that Algarin died of a gunshot wound to the torso, with the manner of death being homicide by firearm. The cause and manner of death were not previously released by the Coroner’s Office due to the ongoing active investigation of this homicide.

“We grieve the death of Samuel Algarin and are thinking of him and his family,” said Dr. Christina VandePol, Chester County coroner. “Like everyone, we are relieved that an arrest has been made and will continue to work with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office as the legal process moves forward.”

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced the arrest last week of Hakeem Smith, 30, of Oxford, for the murder of Algarin, 31, of Quarryville in Lancaster County.

Smith has been charged with murder, robbery, and related offenses, according to police and his online criminal report. He is not eligible for bail and was remanded to Chester County Prison. He does not have a lawyer listed. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27 in front of District Judge Nancy Gill. Investigators noted that Smith has prior convictions, as well as persons not to possess firearms since 2009.

First responders were initially called for the report of an unconscious person and Algarin’s lifeless body was found on the side of Limestone Road at about 11:25 p.m. Investigators said he died of a single gunshot wound to his chest. His vehicle, wallet, and phone were all missing.

Investigators said the night of the homicide, Algarin attended a martial arts class with his mother and two sons and then they picked up pizza from a local shop. His mom dropped him off at Starbucks in Lower Oxford Township at approximately 9:30-9:40 p.m., where he left his car after working at Jeff D’Ambrosio Chevrolet in Oxford. He was a longtime employee. After being dropped off at his car, Algarin planned go to his mother’s house for dinner, but he never made it. A short time later, Smith was reportedly seen on surveillance video driving the victim’s vehicle, according to investigators.

That same night, investigators said Smith, who lived with his mother in Oxford, got into a domestic dispute with his mother, resulting in the police being called and Smith being removed from the residence. He left the home on foot that evening, carrying bags of his belongings, near the Starbucks in Lower Oxford.

A candlelight vigil was held in Algarin’s on Saturday night at that Starbucks.

Chester County Detectives, West Fallowfield Police Department, and multiple assisting agencies began the investigation and recovered the victim’s abandoned vehicle and cell phone. Investigators said Smith’s fingerprints were reportedly found on the victim’s belongings and Smith was seen on video reportedly driving the victim’s car that night.

Smith was spotted in West Chester Borough by police on Sept. 18. Smith reportedly fled into a residence, but later surrendered to the West Chester SWAT team and was taken into custody, according to the DA.

Investigators ask that anyone with more information contact Detective Balchunis at 610-344-6866. Visit Daily Local News staff writer Ginger Rae Dunbar’s blog about journalism and volunteering as a firefighter at FirefighterGinger.blogspot.com.