Teen Sentenced to 31 Years for 2023 Slaying of Eriq Morrison

Jaleer Fletcher was 14 when he shot and killed the 18-year-old victim in an apparent robbery gone wrong.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single 9mm shell casing lying on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a fatal shooting incident.A single gunshot casing left behind after a deadly encounter exposes the grim reality of gun violence in this Pennsylvania community.Chester Today

A Maryland teen was sentenced to 31 years to life Thursday for the February 2023 shooting death of 18-year-old Eriq Morrison Jr. in Chester. Jaleer Fletcher, now 18, was just 14 when Morrison was killed during an apparent robbery. Fletcher was convicted on charges of second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy to robbery and firearms offenses.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence involving young people in the Chester community, with senseless acts of violence leading to tragic loss of life. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's approach to juvenile offenders and the need for more comprehensive intervention and rehabilitation programs.

The details

According to evidence presented at trial, Fletcher and an accomplice, Lamont Dale, approached Morrison's car on February 17, 2023, with the intent to rob him. Fletcher shot Morrison, who then crashed his car. Fletcher and Dale were later identified through surveillance footage and forensic evidence. Fletcher was initially charged with first- and second-degree murder but ultimately convicted on the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

  • On February 17, 2023, the shooting occurred around 12:49 p.m. in the first block of East 17th Street in Chester.
  • Fletcher was arrested in June 2024 and entered into a negotiated plea deal in August 2024.
  • Dale was arrested in March 2024 and sentenced last year to 13-40 years in prison after pleading guilty.

The players

Jaleer Fletcher

A 14-year-old at the time of the crime who was convicted of second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy to robbery and firearms offenses in the death of Eriq Morrison.

Eriq Morrison Jr.

An 18-year-old victim who was shot and killed during an apparent robbery attempt in Chester in February 2023.

Lamont Dale

An accomplice of Fletcher who was arrested in March 2024 and sentenced to 13-40 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to Morrison's death.

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What they’re saying

“We all have growing pains in our transition to adulthood. We all needed guidance in one aspect or another in our lives, and Eriq is no different. He found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and lost his life in the process. We are grateful, however, that he was able to make a positive impact on so many lives during his lifetime.”

— Eriq Morrison's Family

“He cared about people and the state of the world, and wanted to make it a better place. She said she asked God why he had been taken, and got the answer that it was because he had fulfilled his purpose.”

— Tamu Morrison, Eriq Morrison's Mother

“I'm sorry for the role I played in the death.”

— Jaleer Fletcher

What’s next

The judge in the case said Fletcher would not be eligible for early release and must provide a DNA sample, forfeit the firearms used, and undergo a 1-year reentry supervision program.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive intervention and rehabilitation programs to address gun violence involving young people in the Chester community. It also raises difficult questions about how the criminal justice system should handle juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes.