On August 29, 2020, Detective Nina Maus of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police charged Orlando Penelves Duarte, AKA Orlando Penalver, with criminal homicide and possession of a firearm by a former felon.  That same day, police responded to North 18th and North Streets in connection with a shooting.  The 16-year-old male victim, a minor designated in charging documents as K.K., was found naked with multiple gunshot wounds.  Despite lifesaving efforts and transport to the Harrisburg Hospital, K.K. died as a result of those wounds.  According to the affidavit, a witness observed K.K. running down the street naked shortly before 1:00 p.m.  A citizen attempted to render aid to the boy who reported that he had been raped by a man who was chasing him with a gun.

As the citizen attempted to help the boy and cover him with a towel, Orlando Duarte appeared running towards them with a gun.  The boy fled but Duarte caught up to him.  An eyewitness observed Duarte stand over the helpless boy and fire two shots into him as he lay on the ground.  As Harrisburg Bureau of Police officers arrived on scene, Duarte fled on foot.  During his flight, he fell to the ground, dropping a .22 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver.  Police took Duarte into custody.  His charges include the murder of K.K. and criminal possession of a firearm.  The criminal complaint charges that Duarte is ineligible to possess a firearm on account of his prior felony convictions for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault.

Magisterial District Judge Paul T. Zozos committed Duarte to the Dauphin County Prison without bail.  A preliminary hearing will occur before Magisterial District Judge Sonya M. McKnight.  The criminal complaint and affidavit are attached.  These are mere allegations and the defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until convicted at trial.

Fran Chardo, District Attorney