A 15-year-old boy from Pennsylvania has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a homeless man, 39-year-old Jeremiah Waylon Hawkins, according to prosecutors. The incident occurred on the day before Thanksgiving at Security Plaza on South Hanover Street.

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The suspect, allegedly sought out Hawkins, leading to an argument during which the suspect fired a single shot at Hawkins’ face. Witnesses reported that Hawkins swung a tire at the suspect in an attempt to disarm him.

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After the initial shot, Hawkins fell, and the suspect fired a second time before dropping the gun and walking away. Bystanders detained the suspect until the arrival of Pottstown Police. Hawkins was found with an apparent gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at Pottstown Hospital. An autopsy determined that Hawkins had been shot once in the side of his face at close range, with the cause of death listed as a gunshot wound to the head.

The suspect faces charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, possessing a firearm as a minor, possessing an instrument of crime, and carrying a firearm without a license. He was arraigned on November 22 and, as no bail is available for the top charge, was remanded to the Montgomery County Youth Center. It is unclear whether the suspect has retained an attorney, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday.