“I just want to know why:” Mother of Jamaican immigrant shot, killed in Venango County wants answers

ROCKLAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Icilda Spencer-Hunter was overcome with sadness when talking about the moment she found her son, Peter, shot and killed.

“I shouted and then I fell on my knees,” she told Channel 11.

She said her son moved from Jamaica to Pittsburgh for a better life and worked to help others whenever he could. State police said Peter Spencer was found shot multiple times in the driveway of a home in Rockland Township, Venango County in December.

Spencer-Hunter said her son’s fiance dropped him off for a hunting trip with a coworker. He was reportedly the only Black man in the group.

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“He was shot in the back area near the butt. He was shot six times in the chest,” Spencer-Hunter said.

The Venango County District Attorney said the agency doesn’t comment on open investigations. Investigators said the suspect and three additional people were detained and questioned, but were ultimately released.

State police investigators are requesting patience as they continue looking into what happened.

Here is the full release from state police:

“On 12/12/21 at approximately 0226 hours, PSP Franklin Station members responded to 279 Carts Road, Rockland Township, Venango County for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, the victim, identified as Peter Bernardo SPENCER, B/N-M, 29yoa of Pittsburgh, PA, was found deceased in the front yard of the residence due to apparent gunshot wounds to his body. The suspect, a W/N-M, 25yoa and three additional identified individuals were detained and questioned at the Franklin PSP station. All persons were released after consultation with the Venango County District Attorney pending additional investigation. Multiple firearms, ballistic evidence, controlled substances were seized from the scene. Criminal Investigators from the Troop E Major Case Team were activated for this investigation. Members of Heritage Affairs were notified of this incident. No charges have been filed as of 12/29/21.

“An autopsy was completed on 12/14/21. Autopsy results from the Forensics Pathologist are pending. This investigation is still ongoing pending autopsy results, toxicology reports, ballistic reports, and lab results. Upon conclusion of this investigation the Venango County District Attorney will review the case and all forensic reports and make a charging recommendation. The Pennsylvania State Police requests the public to remain patient, we are actively investigating this incident and are providing all investigative updates to the District Attorney’s office as appropriate. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Trooper HAGAN at PSP Franklin 814-676-6596. Media is encouraged to contact PIO Tpr. Michelle Magee-Morrison at Franklin PSP or Tpr. Heather Kittle at Erie PSP.”

Black Political Empowerment Project working to get justice for immigrant shot, killed in western Pa.

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