Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino talks about the recent homicides that have occured in the county during a press conference Tuesday morning. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Though tight-lipped on specifics, Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino acknowledged that the Saturday evening shooting that took place in the parking lot of TGI Fridays was “gang-related,” during a Tuesday morning press conference, and that a suspect has been identified.

Marino also stated it was his personal opinion that a shooting Sunday night in which a house in Randall Circle, located in a housing complex across the street from the district’s secondary campus, was hit was related. No one was injured in the shooting that occurred around 10:30 p.m.

The victim of the weekend shooting, 15 year-old Ahmeen Palmer, of Williamsport, was identified by Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. late Monday afternoon, who added that Palmer died of multiple gunshot wounds.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers in a statement released by the Williamsport Area School District following the identification.

“Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends during this very difficult time, and we extend our condolences to them,” the statement continued.

“The school district will continue to take active measures to support students, faculty and staff throughout the week. The school district will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all students, faculty and staff.”

Tensions are high in the area with Marino, himself, receiving phone calls from concerned parents.

“I was asked what we can do to make sure that no guns make it into schools,” he said, “and my statement clearly was, unfortunately, a metal detector.”

“I’m convinced probably here to a certain extent, but more so in the bigger cities, if the students in junior high and high school are all gathered together and patted down, they’re gonna find guns.”

“It’s gonna be an expense to the public,” he acknowledged, “it’s going to be another hassle for the school districts, but I don’t have another answer.”

“Our mission is to stop the extreme violence,” Marino said, turning to the broader issue of gang activity in the area.”

“Effective two weeks ago, we implemented a zero tolerance policy on violent gangs. I reached out to federal agencies and the ATF to help us in pinpointing the names of the gang members, and if any family members are tied to it.”

“Violence is at an all time high, not only in Lycoming County, but across the country,” Marino explained, “and my team is ready to take on this task and they will carry out putting these criminals behind bars.”

“I want to make one thing perfectly clear, the law in Pennsylvania permits me to arrest a juvenile from the age of 12 up to 17, prosecute that individual for first degree murder if necessary, or other aggravated offenses, and if convicted, that individual will spend time in a very tiny high security juvenile detention center, and when he or she turns 18, they will automatically go to state prison if it’s a murder case for the rest of your life.”

“We’re not messing around anymore.”

Out of concern that some nefarious individuals may slip through the cracks, Marino will be meeting with the boards overseeing housing complex units across the area.

“I’m hoping we get their cooperation,” the district attorney said, “but if we don’t, we’re going in anyhow.”

“At this point, I feel the responsibility needs to be expressed clearly to who they are permitting to live in these housing developments.”

Referring to gang members as “punk kids,” Marino said many are financed by a major drug dealer, coming from Philadelphia to Lycoming County and other areas, running drugs and carry guns.

“Once we start arresting and prosecuting, once we start holding an adult who lives with these kids responsible, you’re gonna see these gang members run for the hills.”

“The message is clear,” Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter said, “if you commit crimes here in Williamsport and Lycoming County, we will work tirelessly until arrests are made and alleged actors are prosecuted.”

Echoing that sentiment, Chief County Detective Tom Ungard said, “there’s a lot of violence going on. Hopefully we can stop any future violence or retaliation.”

“If we all continue to work together as we have, it’s nothing but a successful outcome.”

“It’s crucial that people feel safe when they leave their homes,” Chairman of the Lycoming County Commissioners Scott Metzger said, “we want to make sure that we play a part in that.”

“People having to hide under tables in a restaurant when they hear gunfire, that’s not the community we live in. That’s not the community we want to have.”

“It’s a scary time in society,” Lycoming County Commissioner Mark Mussina acknowledged, “it’s an unfortunate time in society and we are appreciative of of these members of law enforcement who have to answer the call every time no matter what it is, no matter where it is, and the danger that they face.”

“We just hope that we can turn the trend and move society in a more peaceful direction,” he said.

Marino thanked Matthew McDermott, chief clerk at the Lycoming County Commissioners for facilitating an increase of personnel within the district attorney’s office, all of which are vital to bringing about successful resolutions to the office’s high case load.

“Our number one goal is not to have victims and we’ll do what we can do to support this effort,” added Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk.

“This is the crackerjack team that I put together,” Marino said of his investigative staff.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that we make this community safe,” Marino said at the closing of the press conference, “and my promise is that I will do everything I can with my team to take criminals off the street, break up gangs, and put people who murder people in prison for the rest of their life.”