COOLBAUGH TWP., MONROE CO. (WOLF) — A Scranton man has been charged with homicide following a deadly shooting in Monroe County that left one person dead and another hospitalized, according to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.
Police announced Friday that 27-year-old Yasim McDonald, of Scranton, was charged with criminal homicide and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the death of Layzon Breland.
Officers were dispatched to a home on Chelsea Circle in Coolbaugh Township around 7:52 p.m. June 18 for a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound.
When police arrived, they found Breland inside an upstairs bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds, including a wound to the head. He was pronounced dead from his injuries.
According to investigators, witnesses told police Breland had been involved in a physical altercation with an unidentified man in the front yard of the residence. Police said Breland retreated into the home, and the other man allegedly forced his way inside while armed with a handgun.
Investigators said the suspect chased Breland upstairs to a bedroom, where Breland had also armed himself with a handgun. Police said a gunfight then broke out inside the room.
The suspect was also struck by gunfire before fleeing the residence, according to police. Investigators reported finding a blood trail leading from the bedroom through the home and into the street. Witnesses told officers they saw a white vehicle leave the area shortly afterward.
About 27 minutes later, police said a man later identified as McDonald arrived at a hospital in Scranton suffering from a gunshot wound. Surveillance video reportedly showed him being dropped off by a white vehicle near the hospital.
Investigators also reviewed license plate reader data that showed a white vehicle traveling toward Scranton around the time of the shooting. Police said the vehicle was registered to McDonald’s girlfriend.
Authorities later located the vehicle, a Kia K5, and reported finding what appeared to be blood and cleaning supplies inside.
Police obtained multiple search warrants, including warrants for the homicide scene, the vehicle and McDonald’s body. Investigators collected DNA samples from blood found at the crime scene and compared them with samples taken from McDonald at the hospital.
According to police, rapid DNA testing linked the samples on June 19, leading investigators to file charges and place McDonald under arrest.
McDonald remains hospitalized and in police custody. Authorities said he will be arraigned when his medical condition allows.
Police said additional DNA testing and forensic analysis are still being conducted as the investigation continues.
The Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department was assisted by Pennsylvania State Police, the Scranton Police Department, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.