Sixth Suspect on Trial for 2022 Roxborough High School Shooting

UPDATE: A sixth suspect, Zaakir McClendon, is set to stand trial for his alleged involvement in a shocking shooting outside Roxborough High School that left 14-year-old Nicolas Elizalde dead and four others injured. This trial is particularly urgent as it follows the ambush that unfolded after a junior varsity football practice in Philadelphia in 2022.

The violent incident occurred when five armed men emerged from an SUV, unleashing a barrage of over 60 bullets at a group of boys, including Elizalde, who was simply attending a football scrimmage that day. Initial investigations led to the arrest of five individuals, but McClendon was not charged until August 2023, highlighting the ongoing complexities of this case.

During a preliminary hearing, Judge David H. Conroy reviewed critical evidence, including video footage and cell phone records. Philadelphia Police Detective Robert Daly testified that the violence stemmed from a dispute involving a girl, claiming McClendon indicated that a player from Northeast High School had assaulted someone he knew. Notably, Elizalde had no connection to the incident that sparked the shooting.

The investigation revealed DNA evidence found on one of the 64 cartridge casings at the scene, which had eluded the police for nearly three years. The identification of McClendon as a suspect has renewed focus on the case, as three other defendants are also awaiting trial.

This trial is crucial not only for justice for Elizalde’s family but also for the community grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities and community members alike are eager for resolutions that could bring some semblance of closure to a violent chapter in the history of local youth sports.

What to watch next: With McClendon’s trial imminent, attention will turn to the courtroom as it may set precedents for how similar cases are prosecuted in the future. Community advocates are calling for stronger measures to prevent youth violence, underscoring the urgent need for intervention in the lives of young people in Philadelphia.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it continues to unfold.