The family of an 18-year-old man shot and killed in Delaware County is calling for answers as loved ones remember a son, brother, classmate and football player who was days away from starting his senior year of high school.
Richard Nelson DeShield was behind the wheel of a car when he was shot late Tuesday, Sept. 8 near Blackburn and North Wycombe avenues in Lansdowne, according to investigators. His car then crashed into a tree less than a block away.
Nearly a week later, DeShield’s parents and sisters said they still have no information about what happened to him that night.
Loved ones and classmates gathered at a vigil at his family’s home with many holding balloons representing the colors of Penn Wood High School.
DeShield wore No. 58 and was a linebacker on the school’s football team. Outside of school, he aspired to serve in the United States Army.
His family said DeShield was just hours away from beginning his senior year at Penn Wood High School when he was killed.
The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Investigators said a Lansdowne police officer was patrolling the area when the officer saw two men standing near DeShield’s vehicle. The officer then heard multiple gunshots and saw DeShield’s car take off down the road before crashing into a tree.
The officer then saw two men run into a nearby building. They were questioned, but officials have not identified any suspects or announced any developments in the case.
DeShield’s mother, Wanita DeShield, said he was her only son and the third of four children.
“My heart is broken. No mother deserves this. No parent deserves to bury their child early. My son cannot graduate no more. I’m grieving. I’m a grieving mother,” Wanita DeShield said. “My son needs justice. I’m not fighting for myself. But God will fight for me.”
His sister, Rachel DeShield, remembered her younger brother as someone she could always count on.
“Every time my car broke down my little brother put down what he was doing just to rescue me. Every little thing, my brother was there for me. My brother saw me walk that stage, I’m not gonna see him walk that stage,” Rachel DeShield said.
DeShield’s family and investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.