Trial Ordered For Philadelphia Man In Fatal Shooting Over Cigarette
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- He was gunned down outside his parents' Frankford home in May, over a cigarette and an alleged show of disrespect.
Today, there was dramatic testimony from the victim's stepfather, who was shot and wounded in the altercation.
The 20-year-old alleged shooter, Jalil Cooper, has been ordered held for trial.
Victor Guzman, struggling with his emotions, says he had his hand on his stepson, Edward Pagan, and was trying to get him into the house for a second time during the argument when they were shot.
"The shooter walked up to the victim, asking for a cigarette," says Philadelphia prosecutor Dennis McCloskey.
"He had a response which he didn't like, felt disrespected, and that is what started this entire argument, which eventually snowballed, lasted for several minutes and a couple of stages, and eventually leads to the defendant coming back with a handgun."
Guzman, a city corrections officer, was shot in the arm; his stepson was fatally shot in the abdomen (see previous story).
Guzman's home was later firebombed. There were no injuries (see related story). That crime remains unsolved. The family has moved for safety.
The defense says Jalil Cooper will plead not guilty.
