Erie, Pennsylvania – Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for 17-year-old Jamarion J.L. Boone, the prime suspect in the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Armoni Cantu near Erie High School on December 17, 2024. Boone, who has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses, remains at large over a month after the incident, according to court records.
The shooting, which also injured another 17-year-old Erie High School student identified as N.S., occurred just blocks from the school at the intersection of West 31st and Liberty Streets. Erie police have linked the fatal altercation to an earlier classroom dispute involving Boone and his co-defendants, 18-year-old Martavion C.D. Thompson and 17-year-old Jahmeir O. Bibbs, both of whom are already in custody.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
On the afternoon of December 17, 2024, surveillance footage captured three students standing outside a classroom at Erie High School. One of the students, later identified as Jamarion Boone, was seen yelling into the classroom, despite staff repeatedly ordering him to leave the premises.
At approximately 3:52 PM, Boone exited the building. Just three minutes later, gunfire erupted at the intersection of West 31st and Liberty Streets, about five blocks from the school.
Investigators believe Boone and his accomplices, riding in a red Ford Fusion, targeted a red Chrysler 200 sedan parked near the crowd. Boone, allegedly seated in the rear of the Ford Fusion, is accused of opening fire into the crowd, striking:
- Armoni Cantu, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.
- A second victim, N.S., who was shot in the face and transported to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC for treatment.
Cantu was pronounced dead at Saint Vincent Hospital nearly an hour after the shooting.
Connection to Classroom Dispute
Authorities confirmed that the classroom dispute earlier in the day involved Boone and an occupant of the Chrysler 200 sedan targeted in the shooting. Erie Police Chief [Name] stated:
“This was not a random act of violence but rather a calculated attack rooted in an ongoing conflict between two rival groups in the Erie community.”
Suspects and Arrests
On December 18, police apprehended Boone’s alleged accomplices:
- Martavion C.D. Thompson (18): Currently held without bail at the Erie County Prison.
- Jahmeir O. Bibbs (17): Charged as an adult and detained without bail at the Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center in Millcreek Township.
According to investigators, Thompson and Bibbs were with Boone outside the classroom and inside the Ford Fusion during the shooting. Thompson, in a December 18 interview, admitted to being in the front passenger seat, while Boone and Bibbs occupied the back seat. He further implicated Boone as the shooter.
Evidence Linking Boone to the Crime
Erie police pieced together a detailed timeline using:
- Surveillance footage: Tracked the movements of the Ford Fusion before and after the shooting.
- Witness statements: Corroborated the connection between the classroom altercation and the subsequent shooting.
- Thompson’s interview: Provided critical details, including Boone’s role as the shooter.
Victims’ Identities and Impact
Armoni Cantu:
- Not a student at Erie High School, though his enrollment status elsewhere remains unclear.
- Remembered as a kind and charismatic individual with a promising future.
N.S.:
- A current student at Erie High School who continues to recover from his injuries.
- School district officials expressed their support and confirmed counseling services are being provided to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Erie Police Chief [Name] emphasized the importance of community cooperation in locating Boone:
“Bringing Boone to justice is critical for the safety of our community and the families affected by this tragedy.”
Residents of Erie are encouraged to report any sightings of Boone or information about his whereabouts to the authorities.
Contact Information for Tips:
- Erie Police Department: [Phone Number]
- Crime Stoppers of Erie: [Anonymous Tip Line]
Community leaders and organizations are rallying to address the root causes of violence among local youth. Initiatives include mentorship programs, conflict resolution workshops, and increased access to mental health resources.
Public Outcry and Pleas for Justice
The families of the victims have expressed their heartbreak and called for justice.
[Family Member’s Name], a relative of Cantu, stated:
“Armoni was full of life and had so much potential. We demand accountability for the senseless violence that took him away from us.”
Local residents have organized a candlelight vigil to honor Cantu’s memory and show support for the survivors.
Legal and Social Implications
The case has reignited discussions about youth violence, systemic inequities, and the role of schools in preventing conflicts. Advocates are urging schools to implement more proactive measures, including:
- Improved campus security.
- Early intervention strategies for at-risk students.
- Partnerships with local organizations to address gang activity and community tensions.
Final Thoughts: Seeking Justice for Armoni and N.S.
As the search for Jamarion J.L. Boone continues, the Erie community remains united in its pursuit of justice for Armoni Cantu and all affected by this senseless act of violence.
Law enforcement, community leaders, and families are calling on the public to come forward with any information that could help bring closure to this devastating case.
“We will not rest until justice is served for Armoni, N.S., and their families,” Erie Police Chief [Name] said in a closing statement.
Rest in peace, Armoni. Justice will prevail.
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