Guilty Plea: 19-Year-Old, Eugene Watson Admits to School Van Shooting Death in Pittsburgh

 



A 19-year-old young man has entered a guilty plea on Wednesday, admitting to third-degree murder in the tragic incident that led to the death of a 15-year-old student who was shot while waiting in a school van outside a Pittsburgh school last year.

Eugene Watson also admitted guilt in Allegheny County Court for criminal conspiracy and two firearms charges linked to the January 2022 shooting that claimed the life of Marquis Campbell. 

Watson, who was 17 at the time of the incident, faced charges as an adult and is scheduled for sentencing on January 25.

Outside the courtroom, Watson's attorney chose not to comment on the pleas. Meanwhile, prosecutors dropped charges against another teenager, who was ruled delinquent in juvenile court on a single conspiracy count.


The heartbreaking incident occurred just after classes had ended at Oliver Citywide Academy, a special education center on the North Side of the city, serving students from grades three through twelve. Two individuals approached the school van, opening fire on it. 

Tragically, Campbell was struck and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Ramaley informed the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Campbell had been involved in multiple disputes with other young people in the months leading up to the shooting.

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