LANCASTER CITY, PA – During a preliminary hearing for three defendants involved in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old, Assistant District Attorney Christopher Miller detailed the events leading up to what prosecutors believe was a planned murder.
The defendants, Tajhon Veal, Joy Cleveland, and Jalani Morales, all from Lancaster, are accused of orchestrating the shooting. Veal and Cleveland were later charged with criminal homicide and conspiracy, while Morales faced charges of homicide, conspiracy, and evidence tampering in connection to the incident.
Prior to the shooting, there was a heated argument between the victim, Corbin, and Cleveland, which escalated to violence. Cleveland allegedly texted messages indicating plans for Corbin to be harmed, leading up to the fatal shooting where he was shot on a balcony.
Video footage captured the incident, showing a person firing shots at Corbin before fleeing. The shooter was later seen walking to a residence rented by Veal, with communication between the defendants’ phones noted around the time of the shooting.
Morales, who lived with Veal, allegedly attempted to create an alibi for him by using his phone during the shooting. Furthermore, she arranged for a rideshare to assist Veal after the incident.
At the hearing, prosecutors presented evidence to suggest the defendants’ involvement in the crime, while the defense attorneys argued that the evidence was circumstantial and speculative.
Detective Jared Snader testified, providing phone records and video footage as part of the investigation process. The defendants remain in custody without bail, awaiting their formal arraignment.