Ben’s Deli in Morrisville offers vantage point for views about town’s mass murder
Cherchez la femme serves as instruction for finding the cause of a man’s demise.
When it’s crime, particularly like the mass killing being investigated in Morrisville, Pa. where police discovered five people allegedly murdered inside the Robert Morris Apartments, no better place exists for commentary then the local deli or restaurant.
Find the eatery, especially in a small borough like Morrisville, and community members will offer insights and news worthy observations about major criminal acts.
Ben’s Deli, several blocks away from the West Bridge St. crime scene, served as a key morning destination as customers discussed the killing of five people, a crime allegedly committed by Shana Decree, 45, and her 19-year-old daughter, Dominique.
The mother-daughter duo have been charged with five counts of homicide and one count each of conspiracy.
“Nothing like this ever happens in Morrisville. It’s rare and horrible,” said a woman who asked for anonymity. “I’ve lived here for 27 years and we’ve never had anything like this occur. I did get a call from my boss who told me to be prepared for some really bad news. And it was worse that anyone could have expected. I remember seeing the one boy who was killed. He seemed nice. A good student and very likeable from what I hear.”
The woman, a nanny, spoke of Damon Decree, 13, identified by Bucks County District Attorney as one of the deceased, along with his sister Naa’Irah Smith, 25, both of Morrisville; Shana Decree’s sister, Jamilla Campbell, 42, along with Campbell’s 9-year-old twin daughters, Imani and Erika Allen. “I was doing my laundry when all the police and emergency vehicles pulled up,” a Ben’s Deli employee said. “I knew it had to be something serious. I know that this started with police making a welfare check on people in the apartment. You have to wonder how long those people were dead inside that apartment. It’s sad.” Weintraub, during a late Monday evening press conference, referenced the incident as “a terrible tragedy ...... I just spoke with the family of the five of the deceased and we’re all heartbroken... The people that committed these atrocious acts are in custody and we’ll make them pay for their crimes.”