Crime & Safety

16-Year-Old Charged In Norristown Killing Wednesday Night

Authorities said groups of teens tried to meet three different times in order to fight.

Alex Herrara, 16, has been charged with first and third degree murder in the killing of a 15-year-old in Norristown Wednesday night, officials announced.
Alex Herrara, 16, has been charged with first and third degree murder in the killing of a 15-year-old in Norristown Wednesday night, officials announced. (Montgomery County District Attorney's Office)

NORRISTOWN, PA — A 16-year-old has been charged with first degree murder after shooting and killing another teenager in Norristown Wednesday night.

Alex Herrera was arrested by authorities as he ran from the scene and was later identified as the shooter, the district attorney's office said. The victim was identified as a 15-year-old boy called J.O.

The incident occurred at 8:38 p.m. in Haws Alley just off George Street.

Find out what's happening in Norristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Detectives determined that two large groups of teenagers met three times throughout the night Wednesday in order to fight, but were consistently interrupted by police, the DA said.

The third fight ended in the fatal shooting.

Find out what's happening in Norristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Numerous videos taken by bystanders, some of which were posted on social media, showed Herrera holding something in his waistband that looked like a gun as he ran from the scene, according to officials.

Herrera has also been charged with third degree murder, firearm carried without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor, and related counts.

As of late Thursday morning, Herrera was awaiting arraignment at Montgomery County Youth Center. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled during arraignment.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.