Erie, PA - The city's first homicide of 2025 has led to a manhunt for 27-year-old Shakeyah T. Barnes, known locally as "Red," who is now wanted on charges including homicide, attempted homicide, and aggravated assault. The incident occurred during a private, invite-only New Year’s Eve party in the 900 block of West 19th Street, where tensions escalated into violence, marking a somber start to the new year for the Erie community.
According to police reports, the shooting was the culmination of an altercation described as an ongoing rivalry between groups from different parts of the city, specifically labeled as an "east side versus west side beef." Barnes allegedly left the party before the gunfire started but is accused by witnesses of being the shooter. Despite these accounts, as of Friday morning, Barnes remains at large, complicating the efforts of local law enforcement to bring closure to this tragic event.
The victim, identified by Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook as 20-year-old Jalea Turner from Erie, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. She was declared brain-dead on January 1st, with an autopsy confirming the cause of death on the following day. Turner, who was attending the party, became an unintended casualty in this dispute, leaving a community in mourning and searching for answers.
Another individual at the party was not as fortunate as Turner; they were shot in the leg but has since been treated and discharged from the hospital. This second shooting underscores the indiscriminate nature of gun violence and its potential to harm innocent bystanders.
The Erie Police Department, under the leadership of Detective Sergeant David Madurski and Detective Ronald Pilarski of the Major Crime Unit, is spearheading the investigation. They are actively seeking Barnes, who has vanished since the incident, with no arrests made yet. The police are piecing together the events leading to the shooting, aiming to understand the motives and the extent of the conflict that led to such a deadly outcome.
Community involvement is crucial in this case, as law enforcement officials call upon residents for assistance. They urge anyone with information about Barnes's whereabouts or any details related to the shooting to come forward. The contact number for the Major Crime Unit has been provided for those willing to help, emphasizing the role of community vigilance in maintaining public safety.
The investigation into this homicide continues, with the Erie Police Department committed to providing updates as new developments arise. This case not only highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Erie but also serves as a call to action for community members to work alongside law enforcement to prevent further tragedies. The loss of Jalea Turner is a stark reminder of the impact of such conflicts, urging a collective push towards peace and resolution in the city.
