x
Breaking News
More () »

Homicide in Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT — A man from Philadelphia was shot and killed early Saturday morning in Williamsport. Police identify the victim as Basil Hall, 27. According...
homicide_bkg

WILLIAMSPORT — A man from Philadelphia was shot and killed early Saturday morning in Williamsport.

Police identify the victim as Basil Hall, 27.

According to police, Hall was found around 2:45 a.m. on Park Avenue.

Neighbors say it appeared he was shot while leaving a party at the Pajama Factory, a complex that now holds tenants including art studios, a community radio station, and a coffee shop. Hours after the shooting, vendors and customers arrived for a craft and farmers market.

Jessica Strailey lives nearby and heard the shots.

She described what she saw. “It sounded like a fire cracker, but then there were multiple shots afterwards, and I got up, looked out my window, and you saw a car pull out real fast without the headlights on.”

She went to see if she could help. “There was blood on his chest, there was blood coming from his mouth,” she added. “His eyes were open. You could see he was trying to gasp for air.”

Another neighbor describes how someone tried to keep the victim alert until help arrived. Rodney Johnson remembers, “He was saying, ‘Look at me, stay with me, stay with me.'”

Hall was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

People at the Pajama Factory expressed dismay that a violent crime took place so close to a complex known for the arts and unique businesses.

Valerie Beggs runs a clothing design workshop called “Make What You Wear.” She says, “It’s the best community. I mean, it has brought all of us so much, but it is situated in the middle of a city, and these are the things that happen in a city.”

One of Beggs’ students says he is heartbroken that a life was lost so close to place where his creativity has flourished.

“Everyone up here is all about love, and we respect each other. I am just so sad about everything that happened,” says Tristan Lee.

Police in Williamsport tell Newswatch 16 that, while there may have been dozens of witnesses to the shooting, so far they have not been cooperating, and that has been hindering the investigation.

If you have information about the deadly shooting, call Williamsport Police at (570) 327-7561.

Before You Leave, Check This Out