Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a 21-year-old male and his 46-year-old mother from Moosic for their alleged involvement in a deadly shooting. Police say that shooting happened last night outside of an apartment complex in Carbondale, killing 35-year-old Pernell Simmons.
21-Taaj Blan was taken to the Lackawanna County prison this evening in handcuffs for allegedly shooting and killing 35-year-old Pernell Simmons outside of the Fallbrook Street Apartments in Carbondale.
Police said his mother 46-year-old, Margaret Del Castillo helped her son cover up the crime.
"I am being falsely accused," said Del Castillo.
Police said the shooting happened Monday evening just before midnight, after Blan pulled up in a car to meet Simmons.
"It was a meeting that took place over drug deal. Further investigation may provide that it was gang related. But at this point, it was just a bad meeting and at the wrong place the wrong time," said Trooper Robert Urban with the Pennsylvania State Police.
A neighbor who was too afraid to go on camera recalled the terrifying moment she heard the gun shots outside of her home.
"It sounded like five pops, like, shots and then a pause and last shot. There was six altogether, I believe," she said.
Here's how she described described Simmons.
"Sweetheart, always help the seniors here. carry the groceries in. Talk to me. My son always stopped. Great man," said the neighbor.
She added the shooting prompted her to move from the area.
"The crime rates up and things like this happening when this place is fully lit. cameras everywhere. And they shoot and kill somebody. It's just ridiculous. You know you're gonna get caught. Was it worth it? He had five children that, you know, have no father now," said the neighbor.
Police said it was the cameras outside of the apartment complex that led to the quick arrest.
"We were able to obtain that and look and match the driver's license pictures up with the high def video, and then just through good old fashioned police work, we were able to find the suspect," said Urban.
The investigation was handled by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Carbondale Police Department.
"There's no danger in the immediate area or within the Fallbrook apartments," said Urban.
Blan has been charged with homicide and aggravated assault. Del Castillo has been charged with obstruction and tampering with evidence.
We'll continue to update you on this developing story.