Police seeking public’s help to solve young couple’s double homicide
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
A $15,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the prosecution of whoever fatally shot Carnell Parker, 24, and his girlfriend, Shontae Peterson, 21, on July 6, 2008, in Coatesville.
On July 6, 2008, a Coatesville woman who had just turned 21 and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her Harcum College diploma in the mail was discovered fatally shot with her boyfriend, an execution-style double homicide that remains unsolved.
On Wednesday, the nearly five-year anniversary of the slaying of Shontae M. Peterson and Carnell L. Parker, 24, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said he wanted to remind residents that the case has not been forgotten and that a $10,000 reward still exists for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
“The Chester County Detectives and Coatesville Police Department continue to seek justice for the victims in this senseless, violent murder. Anyone with information into this crime should come forward,” Hogan said. “It is the right thing to do and can help bring closure for two grieving families.”
Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer echoed Hogan’s commitment to continuing the investigation until justice is served. He said the Coatesville City Council has also reaffirmed its support for those efforts by recently continuing a $5,000 match to the Citizens Crime Commission $5,000 reward offer.
On July 6, 2008 at approximately 9:10 a.m., Coatesville Police responded to a call for two gunshot victims in the dining room of Parker’s residence in the 200 block of Charles Street, Hogan said. Both victims were found lying face down in the dining room of the home with fatal gunshot wounds; police discovered evidence of forced entry at the rear of the home, Hogan said.
“This murder investigation remains active,” Hogan said. “Law enforcement is seeking the help of the public to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Friends said both victims were well-liked at Coatesville Area Senior High, where Peterson, who was excited about pursuing a career in interior design, had been recognized for her art talent. According to court records, Parker, the father of three children, was scheduled to appear in Chester County Court on drug charges two days after he was killed.
The Citizens Crime Commission’s phone number is 215-546-TIPS (8477). For more information, visit http://www.crimecommission.org.
