Updated June 1, 1999
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Published Tuesday, June 1, 1999
Witnesses said they saw a man running from the house after they heard a gunshot, Police Chief Raymond C. Greene said this morning. Jeremy Farrand died at about 1 a.m. Saturday of a single gunshot blast to the right neck and shoulder area.
Greene said police still do not have a motive.
The man ran through an alley south of Prindle Street and returned to Prindle where he met a woman, Greene said. The pair then ran east on Prindle toward Stambaugh Avenue, the chief said.
It was unclear if they continued on foot or got into a car, Greene said.
The man seen running from the house was wearing a red shirt but police this morning had no idea of his age or his race. Witnesses could not provide a better description because of the lighting in the area, Greene said.
The woman was white with light brown or blonde, shoulder-length hair, Greene said, adding that it was too dark to notice her age or clothing.
"This is the time for the woman that was with him to come forward," Greene said.
Jeremy and three other teens were at home watching television in the living room when they heard the back storm door open and Jeremy went to investigate, police said. Police found the Sharon High School eighth-grader in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen.
The other teens, two boys and a girl, heard the shot and saw Jeremy drop to the floor, police said.
The weapon, believed to be a 12-gauge shotgun, has not been found, Greene said, adding that they canvassed the neighborhood looking for the weapon. Police are still waiting for lab results to determine the caliber of the gun.
"There is nothing to indicate that Jeremy was the intended target ...," Greene said. "It looks like it didn't matter who was in the house because of the way they shot and then fled the scene."
Greene said a lot of scenarios and theories are being thrown about for the motive because of neighbors' public comments and rumors connecting the house to drug activity.
During the investigation, Greene said police found no evidence of large drug sales occurring at the house. He would not say if any illegal drugs were found.
The nonprofit Crime Solvers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Call 347-HELP; callers can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward.
Jeremy was born June 27, 1985, in Sharon to Danny W. and Annette J. Spear Farrand.
The Sharon School District eighth-grader loved to fish, ride bikes and use computers.
Surviving are: his parents, at home; a sister, Danette, Jefferson Township; his grandparents, Harry and Margaret Farrand, West Middlesex; and James and Ann Marie Spear, Hermitage.
FARRAND
Jeremy J., 13, of 575 Prindle St., Sharon.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday (6-3-99) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Joseph Davis, Baptist minister, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.