Teen Arrested in Local Musician's Murder

Guitarist, singer was found shot dead in his home late last year

A teen girl was arrested and was charged Tuesday in connection with the killing of a Bucks County musician found shot in his home late last year.

Danny DeGennaro, 56, was found dead inside his family home on Crabtree Drive in Levittown on Dec. 28 shortly after 10 p.m.

Danasia Bakr, 17, of Morrisville, Pa. was arrested in connection to his death. She was arraigned and bail was set at $5 million Tuesday, according to court documents obtained by NBC10.

Bakr was charged with conspiracy and robbery in relation to the homicide as well as burglary and a weapon charge, according to court papers.

DeGennaro died of a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to investigators.

Police say his roommate was in the basement of the home during the shooting. Investigators say he found DeGennaro unresponsive in the hallway and rushed to neighbor Nick Wilson for help. Wilson says he tried to revive DeGennaro after contacting authorities.

"He was back for a minute but it didn't last long," said Wilson. "He started taking a couple breaths but he wasn't responsive."

DeGennaro was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. His roommate is not a person of interest, according to the District Attorney.

Bakr is one of five suspects police believe was responsible for DeGennaro's murder. Investigators say Bakr served as the getaway driver. Another suspect is in custody on unrelated charges while three others remain at large.

"As to those three, the men who actually entered the house and shot Daniel DeGennaro to death, we are coming," said Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler.

Investigators say the suspects targeted DeGennaro for robbery. They first attempted to lure the musician out of his home the night of the murder by asking him to show them a neighbor's car for sale which happened to be in his backyard, according to police.

"One of the young ladies made a call assuming that Mr. DeGennaro, because it was in his backyard, was the owner of the car," said Heckler.

Investigators say one of the suspects reached the neighbor by phone and was told to call back in the morning. The suspects then allegedly decided to break into DeGennaro's home anyway, killing him with a shotgun. Heckler is urging the three remaining suspects to come forward.

"When you hear the knock of the Federal Marshals on your door, it will be too late," said Heckler.

Bakr will most likely be tried as an adult. Police say DeGennaro's neighbor was crucial in the investigation, helping them with cell phone records which led to Bakr's arrest.

DeGennaro was a member of The Danny DeGennaro band, a “rousing original rock, rhythm and funky blues band with some of the finest most accomplished musicians around,” according to the group’s facebook page. DeGennaro sang vocals for the band and also played lead guitar.

He also previously played guitar with the band Kingfish, the James Montgomery Band, Clarence Clemons and the Rio Band.

DeGennaro is survived by a brother, sister and daughter in her 20s, according to the District Attorney.

"I can't believe he's gone," said DeGennaro's sister Linda. "I miss him so much."


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