Armoni Cantu: Victim in Tragic Shooting Near Erie High School, 17-Year-Old Dies Following Gunfire That Also Injured Another Teenager – Crime Details and Investigation into the Incident

In a shocking act of violence that has shaken the Erie, Pennsylvania community, 17-year-old Armoni Cantu tragically lost his life after a shooting near Erie High School. The incident, which occurred on December 17, 2024, has led to an ongoing investigation and the identification of several individuals connected to the crime. Armoni Cantu, who was part of a crowd near the intersection of West 31st and Liberty Streets, was fatally shot in a senseless act that also left another 17-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the face. The shooting was carried out in broad daylight, mere moments after a heated altercation outside the classroom at Erie High School.

Death of Armoni Cantu: The Tragic Shooting Incident

Armoni Cantu’s life was tragically cut short when he was fatally shot in the chest as part of an escalating conflict that culminated in the violence of December 17. The shooting took place just blocks away from Erie High School, where earlier in the day, a disturbance involving Cantu and other individuals was noted by both students and school staff. At approximately 3:52 p.m., Cantu and others were seen in the vicinity of the intersection of West 31st and Liberty Streets. Three minutes earlier, a student who had been shouting in a classroom at Erie High was seen leaving the building. The shooter, positioned in the rear passenger seat of a red Ford Fusion, opened fire, hitting Cantu with a fatal gunshot to the chest.

Cantu was rushed to Saint Vincent Hospital but was pronounced dead about an hour later, unable to survive the severe injuries sustained in the shooting. Authorities have stated that Cantu was not a student at Erie High, though his exact connection to the school remains under investigation. Cantu’s death has been mourned by his family, friends, and the greater Erie community, leaving an indelible mark on the local neighborhood.

The Wounding of Another Teen: Injured in the Shooting

Along with Cantu, another 17-year-old male was seriously injured during the shooting. Identified only by his initials, N.S., the second victim was struck by gunfire in the face. After receiving initial treatment at Saint Vincent Hospital, N.S. was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for further care. Despite the serious nature of the wound, his condition remains stable, and law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his injuries. The Erie School District confirmed that N.S. is a student at Erie High, further deepening the connection between the violent act and the school community.

The two teens’ tragic fates highlight the deep-seated violence that has affected Erie, particularly in the context of rivalries and disputes that continue to simmer beneath the surface. Investigators have linked the altercation that led to the shooting with ongoing gang conflicts in the area, shedding light on the wider scope of violence that may have contributed to this deadly event.

The Suspect: Jamarion J.L. Boone – Wanted for Murder

At the center of the investigation into Cantu’s death is 17-year-old Jamarion J.L. Boone, who has been charged with first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses in connection with the shooting. Boone’s involvement in the incident began earlier in the day when he was seen shouting into a classroom at Erie High School. Despite school staff’s intervention and requests for Boone to leave the premises, he remained defiant and continued causing disruption. This incident, combined with evidence gathered from surveillance footage and witness statements, led to investigators identifying Boone as a key figure in the deadly shooting that occurred just moments after the altercation.

Boone, along with two other individuals, has been implicated in the shooting, although he remains at large as of January 2025. The authorities filed charges against Boone on December 19, but he has yet to be apprehended, with police continuing to seek his whereabouts. His alleged involvement in the shooting is underscored by his position in the back seat of the red Ford Fusion from which the fatal shots were fired. Investigators are working tirelessly to locate Boone and bring him into custody.

The Co-Defendants: Martavion C.D. Thompson and Jahmeir O. Bibbs – Arrests and Charges

Two additional individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting. 18-year-old Martavion C.D. Thompson and 17-year-old Jahmeir O. Bibbs were both apprehended on December 18, 2024, after the authorities gathered significant evidence linking them to the crime. Thompson, who was seated in the front passenger seat of the red Ford Fusion, is currently being held at the Erie County Prison without bail due to the severity of the charges against him. Bibbs, also facing adult charges, is being detained at the Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center in Millcreek Township, also without bail. Both have been charged with first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, and other related offenses, as their actions are believed to have directly contributed to the tragic shooting that killed Cantu.

The police have gathered valuable information through witness testimonies and interviews with Thompson. During his interview on December 18, Thompson confirmed the link between the classroom incident and the shooting, revealing that he, Boone, and Bibbs were all involved in the series of events that escalated into violence. Thompson further explained that the shots were fired from the rear seat of the Ford Fusion, corroborating the claims made by investigators about Boone’s and Bibbs’ roles in the incident. The investigation into the crime remains ongoing, with law enforcement officials working to piece together the full scope of the events leading up to and following the shooting.

The Investigation and Law Enforcement Efforts

The investigation into Armoni Cantu’s death is still underway, with law enforcement officials continuing to search for Boone, who remains at large. Erie police have emphasized the need for the public to come forward with any information that may assist in locating the suspect and bringing justice to Cantu and the community. Authorities have warned that Boone is considered dangerous, and anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts should immediately contact law enforcement.

The police have been utilizing surveillance footage, witness statements, and other forms of evidence to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the shooting. The authorities have confirmed that the shooting was a result of an ongoing rivalry between two groups in the Erie community, and it is believed that the earlier classroom altercation between Boone and one of the individuals in the Chrysler 200 sedan contributed to the eventual gunfire.

Despite the arrests of Thompson and Bibbs, law enforcement has made it clear that their work is far from over. Investigators are working diligently to ensure that all those involved in the crime are held accountable and that justice is served for Armoni Cantu and his family. The case continues to unfold as more information is gathered and analyzed, and police are urging anyone with additional information to step forward.

The Community’s Response and Ongoing Concerns

The tragic death of Armoni Cantu has deeply impacted the Erie community, particularly the students and staff at Erie High School. While Cantu was not enrolled at the school, the connection between the violence and the school has raised concerns about safety and the prevalence of gang activity in the area. The shooting has highlighted the growing problem of gun violence among teenagers and the challenges of addressing gang rivalries that contribute to such deadly incidents.

In the wake of Cantu’s death, local officials have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and vowed to continue working toward finding solutions to the issues of violence that have plagued the community. School officials have also pledged to implement additional measures to ensure the safety of students and staff, including heightened security and resources to address student conflicts before they escalate into violence.

The Future of the Case: Legal Proceedings and Justice for Armoni Cantu

As the investigation continues, the legal proceedings surrounding the charges against Boone, Thompson, and Bibbs are expected to unfold in the coming months. All three individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and their attorneys will likely work to challenge the charges brought against them. However, the strength of the evidence gathered by law enforcement, including the surveillance footage and witness testimonies, suggests that the prosecution has a solid case.

The community and the family of Armoni Cantu are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the legal process, hoping that justice will ultimately be served. Cantu’s tragic death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and the community continues to grieve his loss. The investigation into the shooting remains a top priority for local law enforcement, and the authorities remain committed to ensuring that all those responsible for Cantu’s death are held accountable.

Conclusion: A Community Grieves as the Investigation Continues

The shooting death of Armoni Cantu has left the Erie community in mourning, while the search for justice continues. With the identification of the suspects and the ongoing investigation, authorities are working diligently to bring those responsible to trial. Cantu’s tragic passing has highlighted the need for greater intervention in addressing gang violence, student conflicts, and the broader issues that have led to this senseless act of gun violence. As the investigation moves forward, the community stands united in its commitment to finding justice for Armoni Cantu and ensuring that such violence does not continue to claim the lives of young people.