Upper Darby teen faces murder charges in shooting death of 16-year-old former classmate.

A 17-year-old resident of Upper Darby has been charged with murder following the shooting death of a fellow student at Upper Darby High School earlier this week. Michael Nixon has been charged as an adult with murder and several related offenses after he allegedly shot 16-year-old Khalief Webster in the back during an altercation that occurred on Sunday on Long Lane, near Pine Street. Webster was subsequently transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was later declared dead.

Authorities report that Nixon is currently in custody and has been denied bail. As of now, there is no information indicating that he has engaged legal representation. Upper Darby Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt expressed deep sorrow over Webster’s death, categorizing it as a senseless act that has irrevocably affected two families. He lamented that discussions about Webster’s future and potential contributions have been overshadowed by the crime itself.

The incident began when Webster, riding a miniature dirt bike in the vicinity, encountered Nixon, who was walking nearby. In a verbal exchange, Nixon queried whether Webster was the individual he had seen previously, and responded with gunfire after Webster replied. Following the act, Nixon fled the scene, but was later captured on surveillance footage making a phone call in which he confessed to having shot someone in the chest.

Investigators note that the motive for the shooting remains undetermined. However, police were able to identify Nixon as a suspect within hours of the shooting, thanks to available surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. In the wake of the incident, officers executed search warrants on two locations in Upper Darby and conversed with individuals associated with Nixon.

During the investigation, law enforcement recovered two spent shell casings, along with two handgun frames and a cross-body bag similar to one seen with Nixon in the video footage. A relative of Nixon reportedly picked him up shortly after the incident, and this person disclosed to detectives that there had been previous disputes between Nixon and Webster. Bernhardt indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming against those who allegedly assisted Nixon in evading capture after the shooting.

After a brief period of uncertainty, Nixon voluntarily surrendered to the Upper Darby Police. Local officials, including Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown, have acknowledged the tragic loss of Webster, emphasizing that he was regarded as a promising young individual who had never been in trouble. The mayor called for alternative conflict resolution methods, declaring that resorting to firearms is not a solution to disputes and expressing a heartfelt sadness regarding the entire situation.

The community mourns the loss of Khalief Webster, a young life cut short, while the investigation continues into the factors leading to this devastating event.