Philadelphia police have arrested the father of a Pennsylvania high school football star who accidentally shot his twin brother to death, charging him with involuntary manslaughter and weapons offenses, NBC 10 reported.
CrimeOnline previously reported that prosecutors dropped charges against Fayaadh Gillard, 18, on Wednesday, saying his father, Aleem Gillard, was ultimately responsible for the death of Fayaadh’s twin, Suhail.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said Wednesday that the elder Gillard was demonstrating how to use his guns to the twins and their 16-year-old sister.
“The firearms were given to the children to, essentially, mimic what he was doing,” she said.
Fayaadh pulled the trigger, striking Suhail once in the chest. First responders rushed the teen to Lankenau Medical Center in Lower Merion, where he died from his injuries, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
District Attorney Larry Krasner said Wednesday that the shooting was a “tragic accident” but that Aleem Gillard, a convicted felon barred from owning guns, was responsible and would be “treated accordingly.”
Fayaadh, Krasner said, did not intend to kill his brother.
“This was a horrific accident for which the whole family will suffer, but he should not be criminally liable under these circumstances,” Krasner said.
Aleem Gillard also encouraged his son to cover up the shooting, Krasner said. The prosecutor added that obstruction of justice and lying to authorities charges against Fayaadh were also dropped.
Both boys were seniors and star football players at Mastery Charter North High School. Both had recently won All Public League honors. Suhail had committed to playing for West Virginia State University next fall, the Philly Voice reported.
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[Feature Photo: Fayaadh Gillard/Police Handout]
