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A 19-year-old man was brought back here from New Jersey late Wednesday to once again face charges in connection with the March 2 shooting death of Ahmeen Palmer, 15, who was gunned down in the parking lot of TGI Fridays, 1840 E. Third St., in Loyalsock Township.
Ibn Hakiem Hunter, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, was brought before District Judge Denise Dieter and arraigned on charges of hindering apprehension, riot, recklessly endangering, obstruction of the administration of law, simple assault and disorderly conduct. The charges were dismissed in August by a district judge, but District Attorney Tom Marino refiled them in late October.
State police, who filed the charges, allege Hunter "falsely stated he did not recognize people involved in the incident and deliberately misled investigators about his and others' presence at the scene," it was stated in a criminal complaint. He also gave false information as to his role and the involvement of others "in the events leading up to and following the shooting," investigators alleged.
"Furthermore, Hunter attempted to conceal the identity of the (alleged) shooter, Ja'hsir Legare, by knowingly providing misleading statements and obstructing law enforcement from apprehending Legare," it was alleged in the complaint.
The criminal complaint stated Hunter "knowingly acted as an accomplice to his friend, Legare," who is suspected of shooting Palmer once in the back of the head and twice in the legs with a handgun. Specifically, Hunter gave misleading and inaccurate details about Legare's whereabouts or involvement in the crime." It is believed that Legare, 17, remains at large and an award was offered earlier this year for information leading to his apprehension.
Police also allege that Hunter, "acting with Legare and others, intentionally and knowingly planned and executed a confrontation that escalated into a public disturbance," court documents stated.
Hunter was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled Dec. 23 before District Judge Gary Whiteman.