Straw Purchaser Sentenced | CASD Considers Revisions | Comedian comes to WCU

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

⚖️ Straw Purchaser in Fatal West Chester Child Shooting Case Pleads Guilty and Sentenced

📍 Coatesville Area School Board Considers Revisions to Student Code of Conduct

🎤 Comedian Jay Pharoah Comes to WCU

Straw Purchaser in Fatal West Chester Child Shooting Case Pleads Guilty and Sentenced

William Thomas, a Chester County man, pleaded guilty to straw purchasing a handgun that was later used in the accidental shooting death of a 4-year-old child. Thomas, who was legally prohibited from owning firearms, entered guilty pleas for multiple charges, including illegal sale or transfer of firearms. He was sentenced to three to six years in state prison and five years of probation.

Thomas had given the gun he purchased to an 18-year-old, Victor Lara-Ortiz, who left it unsecured in his bedroom. The firearm was accessed by his younger brother, resulting in the accidental fatal shooting. Both Thomas and Lara-Ortiz faced charges related to the incident. Lara-Ortiz later pleaded guilty and received a sentence of house arrest and five years of probation.

Coatesville Area School Board Considers Revisions to Student Code of Conduct

The Coatesville Area School Board, during their meeting on September 12, discussed potential modifications to the student code of conduct. The board's education committee recommended revisions to the latest proposed version of the code of conduct, citing concerns about subjectivity and a lack of clarity regarding disruptive student behavior. Consequently, the item was removed from the agenda for the subsequent full board meeting. The student code of conduct emphasizes "restorative practices," with administrators having the authority to assign students involved in behavioral incidents to a restoration center. This center, supervised by a behavioral diagnostician, aims to assist students in acquiring skills to prevent recurring behavioral issues, reflect on their actions, and take responsibility for their decisions. The board will review the revised plan in the future.

Comedian Jay Pharoah Comes to WCU

Comedian Jay Pharoah is set to perform at West Chester University on September 30 as part of the university's combined Family Weekend and Homecoming. The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online or by phone. Jay Pharoah is known for his acclaimed career in comedy and acting, with notable roles in Saturday Night Live, films like "The Blackening" and "Spinning Gold," and hosting Nickelodeon's "Unfiltered." This performance is part of West Chester University's WCU Live! series, with other events to follow, including an environmental talk and a pet theater show.