Amari Altomore, 16, Was Shot and Killed in Monessen, Pa., on Nov. 29

On Tuesday evening in Monessen, Pennsylvania a community was grieving the loss of an iconic football player who was tragically shot and killed. Thousands of posts across social media expressed sympathy and condolences to his family during these difficult times.

Amari Altomore, 16, died tragically while attending Monessen High School as a junior on their football team. He was renowned for both his athletic prowess and passion for playing the game.

Friends and family of David Simon told Daily Voice they were deeply saddened by his passing. He was remembered as a “passionate, hard-working young man who loved his mother.”

On Wednesday evening, Terry Newton, 16, the 16-year-old boy accused in the shooting, surrendered to authorities. According to Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli on Thursday afternoon, he faces homicide charges in the case.

Police report that Terry Newton, 16, is being held without bail at the Regional Youth Services Center in Hempfield. He’s accused of criminal homicide in the death of Amari Altomore, 16, who was shot last month at 649 S. 14th Street in Monessen.

At 8:10 p.m. on November 29th, the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office reported the shooting occurred. According to their report, the boy was airlifted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators have not located the gun used in the shooting, nor any other weapons at the home where it occurred.

On Wednesday, Superintendent Robert Motte sent a letter to Monessen City School District staff and students expressing his intention of making counselors available throughout the week. Additionally, Motte pledged that the school would serve as “a safe space” where both students and teachers could express their emotions of sadness or grief.

Sunoco gas station in Altomore is raising money to cover funeral expenses. A candlelight vigil at 9th Street Park is set for 7:30 p.m. today to honor Altomore’s life.

On Wednesday afternoon, 16-year-old Terry Newton from Monessen turned himself in on a warrant for the November 29 shooting death of Amari Altomore, according to city police Chief David Yuhasz. He is charged with both homicide and possessing a firearm by a minor, Caesar said.

Caesar noted that Altomore has a history of running away from home and having minor run-ins with police. In the Altomore case, surveillance video captured him coming out of a rear door at a residence in the 1200 block of Reservoir Street, according to Caesar.