'Persons of interest' questioned in shooting death of woman, 19, face unrelated charges

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Two “persons of interest” questioned Thursday in the shooting death of a 19-year-old woman are not being charged in connection with her death but are facing unrelated counts, police in Washington County said.

Alexis Barnett, 19, of Washington was walking down Bruce Street in the city of Washington with a group of friends at about 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, when a small silver car pulled up and someone inside began shooting at the group, authorities said.

Barnett was taken to Washington Hospital, where she later died. Another woman suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. She was treated and released from the hospital.

Police surrounded the Belvedere Acres apartment complex in Washington on Thursday afternoon, and arrested Jamaal Greene, 18, on a probation violation and Shawn Sessoms, 20, on a Washington County Drug Task Force warrant. The two men were questioned in regard to Barnett's death, but their arrests were for unrelated drug charges.

Police said earlier Thursday that Barnett and the other woman were not the intended targets of the shooting. Investigators believe the shooter wanted to target a man who was walking with the group.

“These girls just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Washington Police Lt. Dan Stanek said.

Police have not commented on a possible motive.

"I can't believe it. It’s extremely scary. I can't believe that I was this close. I didn't think that's what it had to do with it, and then I heard that's what it had to do with. And then I'm like, 'Oh my goodness,'" said a neighbor who did not wish to be identified.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Barnett’s friends and family members have taken to social media to demand justice.

“If (those) people talk, I think they are going to find something, and long live her soul always,” Noah Garbin, Barnett’s cousin, said.

Teddy bears now cover the spot where the shooting occurred. One of them, a red bear, was placed by a 4-year-old girl who said Barnett is now with the angels.

“She knows the one girl went to heaven. She was sad. She said she hopes it doesn't happen again in front of her house,” neighbor Kevin Garbar said.

Barnett graduated from Washington High School last year. The district’s superintendent told Channel 11 News that she was a good student who was dedicated to graduating and committed to her family.

Cox Media Group