CHESTER, PA — Chester City Police announced that a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the February shooting death of another teenager, marking a significant development in a case that has remained under investigation for nearly ten months.
According to the Chester City Police Department, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division and crime scene personnel executed a search warrant on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at a residence in the 100 block of West 21st Street. During the operation, Lawrence Smith, 19, was taken into custody. Police allege Smith is responsible for the February 13, 2025, homicide of Amir Carr Powell.
The shooting occurred shortly after police responded to the 2700 block of Lehman Street following multiple 911 calls reporting approximately 30 gunshots fired in the area. The call was later upgraded to a report of a possible shooting victim inside a vehicle. Officers arriving on scene located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by responding officers, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim was later identified as Amir Carr Powell, a 19-year-old resident of Glenn Dale, Maryland.
Police said the investigation remained active throughout the year as detectives continued evidence collection and followed leads with assistance from the community. Chester City Police Commissioner Katrina Blackwell said the arrest reflects the department’s commitment to resolving violent crimes, stating that while some cases take longer to solve, the pursuit of justice for victims and their families remains a priority.
Mayor Stefan Roots echoed that message, describing the arrest as the result of sustained investigative work and community cooperation, while noting that accountability remains a central goal even when a loss cannot be undone.
Smith has been charged with multiple offenses, including criminal homicide, first-, second-, and third-degree murder, aggravated assault, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of an instrument of crime with intent.
Authorities said Smith was denied bail and transported to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody.
Police continue to seek additional information related to the case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact:
Captain Detective El’lan Morgan
Email: Emorgan223@chestercitypolice.org
Phone: 610-447-8433
Detective Patrick Flynn
Email: Pflynn314@chesterpolice.org
Phone: 484-745-9970
All charges are allegations. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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