A Pennsylvania teen has been convicted in connection with a gun battle that culminated in the death of Fanta Bility, an 8-year-old girl who was fatally shot by police officers responding to the violence.
Angelo “AJ” Ford was found guilty Monday on two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault in addition to three counts of reckless endangerment and a series of gun charges, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The ruling came after a week-long trial, during which Judge G. Michael Green determined 18-year-old Ford was not acting in self-defense when he started shooting during a high school football game nearly three years ago.
On Aug. 27, 2021, a skirmish broke out between warring gangs while the Academy Park football team faced off against Pennsbury in Sharon Hill. While it is unclear who exactly sparked the scuffle, witnesses testified Ford was the first to flash his weapon — revealing the butt of an illegal gun in his waistband — escalating the conflict. It was enough to prompt one of his rivals, Hasein Strand, to retrieve his own firearm.
Prosecutors said Ford shot first, firing at Strand from down the block as he pulled a weapon from his nearby car. Strand, who was not hit, returned fire, though his shot too missed his intended. target.
A group of Sharon Hill Police officers already on the scene heard the chaos and opened fire on a vehicle they believed was involved in the shooting. At least one of their bullets fatally struck Fanta, who died in her mother’s arms inside the vehicle, police said. Another three passengers were wounded, including Fanta’s 12-year-old sister.
AP
In this photo provided by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, Sharon Hill Police officers Brian Devaney, left, Sean Dolan and Devon Smith are shown. (Delaware County District Attorney’s Office vis AP)
The now-former officers — Sean Dolan, Devon Smith and Brian Devaney — pleaded guilty in Nov 2022 to charges of reckless endangerment. They were each sentenced to 11 months of home confinement and five years probation.
Strand was also charged in connection with the shooting. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2022 and is serving a three- to six-year sentence in state prison.
Ford, who escaped from a detention facility after his arrest and evaded re-capture for nearly a year, was not directly charged with Fanta’s death. Prosecutors however argued that she would still be alive if not for his actions.
“My reaction is the same as it is anytime a young man is convicted of a violent crime which is this is a sad day,” Delaware County Assistant District Attorney Tanner Rouse said. “It’s a necessary day but it’s a sad day and unfortunately in this instance it’s the culmination of a lot of sad days.”
Ford’s sentencing hearing is set for September of 2024.