Arrest in Deadly Home Invasion of 80-Year-Old

One suspect in custody while other remains on the loose more than a month after shooting

One of two men suspected of shooting an elderly man during a home invasion last month is in custody, according to Philadelphia Police.

Aaron Pitts, 20, of Greenway Avenue in Kingsessing is charged with murder, robbery, burglary, theft and weapons charges for his alleged involvement with the home invasion and shooting of 80-year-old Joseph Fleming in Southwest Philadelphia, according to court documents.

Police say that on May 17, at 2:40 p.m., police say Fleming was inside his home on the 6600 block of Yocum Street when he heard a noise coming from his basement. When Fleming went into the basement to investigate, police say an intruder who was in the stairwell fired two shots and struck him in the stomach and leg.

Fleming was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he died from his injuries late last week.

Also on Friday, at 11:30 p.m. Pitts was arrested for his alleged role in the incident, according to court papers.

Police had already identified 18-year-old Sean Johnson as a suspect. They arrested Johnson and took him into custody. But on May 26, police say Johnson somehow escaped and he remains a fugitive.

Johnson is charged with murder, burglary, robbery, conspiracy and related charges, according to District Attorney Seth Williams.

If you have any information on Johnson’s whereabouts, please call the Southwest Detectives Division at 215-686-3183.

Sean Johnson, Credit: Philadelphia Police 


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