In a shocking incident on Christmas Eve, a targeted shooting at a Sheetz convenience store in East Manchester Township, York County, has left one man dead and two suspects at large. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Tivory Bartlett from Douglassville, was found fatally shot in his vehicle shortly after 5 p.m. on December 24, 2024. Authorities have charged two men, Ajanii Lemar Barnes, 19, and Tajai Makeise Robert Scott, 25, with murder, but both remain on the run.
According to police reports, Bartlett was discovered in a gray Honda Accord parked in the Sheetz lot, where he had gone to allegedly make a drug sale. Witnesses reported seeing a Hyundai sedan parked next to Bartlett's vehicle shortly before the shooting occurred. Surveillance footage confirmed that Scott and Barnes exited the Hyundai and entered Bartlett's car just moments before the gunfire erupted.
As per the timeline provided by the York County district attorney, at 5:01 p.m., Bartlett's Honda pulled into the parking lot, and by 5:05 p.m., Scott had entered the front passenger side of the Honda while Barnes took the rear passenger seat. Just four minutes later, the Honda sped off, crashing into a parked vehicle after Scott was seen shooting Bartlett multiple times.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the suspects fled. Scott reportedly crawled out of the broken driver’s side window with a handgun, while Barnes ran to the rear of the Sheetz. The Hyundai was later seen leaving the parking lot, with its license plate captured on surveillance.
Police recovered significant evidence from the scene, including a Glock handgun, multiple bullet fragments, and marijuana baggies in Bartlett's car. Notably, both Scott's and Barnes' iPhones were found inside the vehicle, along with Scott's wallet containing his driver’s license and Social Security card. Phone records indicated that Scott had called Barnes shortly before the shooting, aligning with the timing of the incident.
Bartlett's girlfriend informed investigators that he had left home around 4:50 p.m. that day to meet someone at Sheetz for a drug transaction. She described him as being involved in selling marijuana at the time of his death. Text messages from Scott indicated a prior arrangement to purchase $1,000 worth of drugs from Bartlett, which adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
On November 25, 2024, Barnes had texted someone, saying, "[expletive] don’t got no licks," suggesting a possible plan for theft or robbery. Just two days later, Scott had ominously texted about taking Bartlett down once he received a new supply of drugs.
After the shooting, police quickly identified Scott and Barnes as suspects, issuing arrest warrants for both men. Scott faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, conspiracy to murder, robbery, and several firearm-related offenses. Barnes is charged with second-degree murder and related crimes.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Scott and Barnes to come forward. They can be contacted through the York County Regional Police Department at 717-741-1259.
The tragic death of Tivory Bartlett has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about drug-related violence. Authorities have reassured the public that this incident appears to be targeted and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
In the aftermath, the Sheetz parking lot was closed off as investigators gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses. The shooting underscores the pervasive issues surrounding drug sales and violence, prompting a renewed discussion on safety and crime in the area.
As the search for the suspects continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for Bartlett and an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued many neighborhoods.