FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Homicide Arrest Made in February 13, 2025 Shooting Death
Chester, PA — December 17, 2025

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, detectives from the Chester City Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Crime Scene personnel, executed a search warrant at 112 W. 21st Street in Chester. During the execution of the warrant, Lawrence Smith, a 19-year-old male, was taken into custody . Smith is wanted in connection with the February 13, 2025 homicide of Amir Carr Powell.

On February 13, 2025, officers responded to the 2700 block of Lehman Street following multiple reports of shots fired, with callers reporting approximately 30 gunshots. The call was later upgraded to a report of a possible shooting victim inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim—later identified as Amir Carr Powell, a 19-year-old resident of Glenn Dale, Maryland—suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers rendered immediate life-saving aid; however, Mr. Carr Powell was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Chester City Police Commissioner Katrina Blackwell stated:
"Some cases take longer than expected to resolve, but the victim and his family deserve justice for this senseless loss of life. Cases are solved through careful evidence collection and community cooperation. That partnership is how justice is achieved, and we remain committed to seeing this case through."

Mayor Stefan Roots added:
"This arrest reflects the persistent, methodical work of our Chester City Police Department and the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes. While no action can undo the loss of a young life, we remain committed to accountability, justice for the victim and his family, and ongoing efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe."

Charges Filed Against Lawrence Smith Include:

• 18 § 2501(a) – Criminal Homicide
• 18 § 2502(a) – First-Degree Murder
• 18 § 2502(b) – Second-Degree Murder
• 18 § 2502(c) – Third-Degree Murder
• 18 § 2702(a)(1) – Aggravated Assault (Attempts to Cause Serious Bodily Injury or Causes Injury with Extreme Indifference)
• 18 § 2702(a)(4) – Aggravated Assault (Attempts to Cause or Causes Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon)
• 18 § 3701(a)(1)(i) – Robbery (Inflicts Serious Bodily Injury)
• 18 § 3701(a)(1)(ii) – Robbery (Threatens Immediate Serious Bodily Injury)
• 18 § 3701(a)(1)(iii) – Robbery (Commits or Threatens a First or Second Degree Felony)
• 18 § 3921(a) – Theft by Unlawful Taking (Movable Property)
• 18 § 6105(a)(2)(i) – Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons
• 18 § 6106(a)(1) – Carrying Firearms Without a License
• 18 § 907(a) – Possession of an Instrument of Crime with Intent

Smith was denied bail and transported to George W. Hill Correctional Facility, where he is currently being held.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Chester City Police Department:

Captain Detective El’lan Morgan
Email: Emorgan223@chestercitypolice.org
Phone: 610-447-8433

Detective Patrick Flynn
Email: Pflynn314@chesterpolice.org
Phone: 484-745-9970