Mark Laird
Media, PA – Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced the arrest today of Mark Laird, 18, of Boothwyn, in connection with the March 15, 2022, murder of Reuben Rosado, 15. The victim’s body was found in Henry Johnson Park on Township Line Road and Veterans Drive, Trainer. The defendant has been charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first and third degree, and related firearms charges.
“The cold blooded execution of a juvenile is simply incomprehensible. But, tragically, that is what happened on the night of March 15. The defendant lured his victim to the park with the promise of a gun and, instead, shot him in the back of his head. Unable to keep his actions secret, the defendant then admitted to others what he had done. The defendant’s actions were senseless, as well as heart breaking,” said District Attorney Stollsteimer.
On the evening of March 16, Trainer Borough Police were dispatched to the area of Henry Johnson Park for a report of a deceased person. Upon arrival, the body of a juvenile male, subsequently identified as Reuben Rosado, was located in a wooded area of the park. A fired cartridge casing was recovered from the scene, as well as a cell phone.
A witness was interviewed who stated that the defendant had disclosed to the witness that he was “carrying a burden” and that he knew what had happened to the victim. According to the witness, the defendant told the victim that he had stashed a gun in the park, and that the victim could have the gun. Once in the park Laird told the victim where to find the gun, and when the victim turned around, he shot him. The witness was able to identify the defendant from a photo array.
Delaware County Juvenile Probation provided investigators with a phone number for the defendant. Forensic examination revealed that the victim had been in contact with the defendant 34 times between January 17 and March 8. A search warrant was served for the defendant’s cell phone data, which revealed that the defendant’s cell phone was in the area of the crime scene at the time of Rosado’s murder. A search warrant was also served for the victim’s cell phone data, which confirmed the location of his cell phone at the crime scene at the time of his murder.
On April 19, the defendant was arrested on multiple juvenile bench warrants. Recovered at the time of his arrest was a semi-automatic firearm, which the defendant was prohibited from carrying due to multiple adjudications for offenses including robbery. A second individual was stopped with the defendant, and that individual indicated that the defendant had admitted to shooting the victim. The second witness was also in possession of a ghost gun which he stated the defendant had given to him.
“I want to commend Criminal Investigation Division Detective Timothy Deery and Trainer Borough Police Chief Frannie Priscopo and Officer Russ Mervine for their work in bringing today’s charges, and in apprehending the defendant,” said Stollsteimer. “I also want to thank Deputy District Attorney Matt Krouse and Deputy District Attorney Laurie Moore for their invaluable assistance in ensuring that this defendant is held to account for his actions.”
The defendant is being held without bail at the George W. Hill Correctional facility. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2022.
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 more information contact Margie McAboy, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-579-0429.