Media, PA – District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer today announced that charges have been filed against David Cobb, 20, in the February 21, 2021 death of 14-year-old Barry Mills, Jr. Cobb has been charged with criminal homicide, murder in the third degree, and a related firearm charge.
In announcing the charges, DA Stollsteimer stated, “This case is a stark and tragic reminder of the consequences of acting irresponsibly with deadly weapons. One young boy has died, and another is facing a long prison sentence – two lives ruined, two families grief-stricken. All because a loaded weapon – an AR style rifle – was left lying around during a birthday celebration. This young person’s death simply should not have happened – and it would not have happened if the defendant had understood that a loaded gun is not a joke.”
On February 220, 2021, Chester Township Police responded to 1905 Tolston Street, Chester Township, for a report of a shooting. The officers found the victim with a gunshot wound to his head. He was transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s death was ruled a homicide by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officers interviewed several witnesses, each of whom was able to positively identify the shooter as the defendant David Cobb. One witness stated that he had accompanied the victim to the site of the shooting for the purpose of wishing a friend a happy birthday. The witness stated that Cobb started “joking around”, and pointed the rifle at the victim and said, “give me your phone.” The witness then heard a loud “boom” and heard Cobb say “Oh my God! I didn’t mean to do it!” A second witness stated that shortly after the incident, he overheard Cobb on the phone saying he was sorry and that it was an accident.
“I want to express my office’s appreciation to the members of the Chester Township Police Department for their work on this case, particularly Detective Patrick Mullen and Detective Sergeant Merritt Harman,” said DA Stollsteimer.
The suspect turned himself in on March 10, 2021. He is being held without bail at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. His preliminary hearing date is March 25, 2021 in front of Judge Georgia L. Stone.
CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNLESS AND UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.
The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigations Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.
For press inquiries, please contact Margie McAboy, Public Information Officer, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-579-0429.