Police: Accused shooter did not fear for his life before killing man

Becky Metrick
Chambersburg Public Opinion

CHAMBERSBURG - When Chambersburg Police asked Sean Anthony Atkins if he was in fear for his life during a fight that ended with him allegedly shooting Tyson Hettenschuller, he answered simply.

"No," Atkins told police, according to court documents. In the same interview, he said he knew that he and his friends were bigger than Hettenschuller and another person involved.

Sean Anthony Atkins, 18, is charged with first degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Tyson Hettenschuller.

Police say Atkins shot and killed Hettenschuller, 19, of Chambersburg outside a residence in the first block of Garber Street, just before 2:14 p.m. June 20. 

Atkins, of Fayetteville, has been charged with first-degree murder in the case. Police confirmed that while they were initially searching for four suspects, everyone else in the case is cooperating with police and the investigation is ongoing.

More:Police ID 18-year-old man killed in shooting Tuesday

According to the court records filed at Magisterial District Judge Glenn Manns' office Tuesday night, Atkins told police that he was with four friends earlier in the day and one of the friends explained an issue he had with someone who lived at a Garber Street residence. Hettenschuller was present at the residence but it is unclear from Atkins' interview whether he was the one the group had an issue with, or if it was a second person from the home.

The incident turned into a physical fight, during which Atkins produced a handgun and fired five shots, hitting Hettenschuller, he admitted to police.

After the shooting, Atkins and his four friends fled the area.

Police arrived at the scene at 2:14 p.m. and found Hettenschuller, lying on the ground in front of a residence. He had multiple gunshot wounds to his body, and he was unconscious, according to court documents.

Chambersburg Police attempted life-saving measures until the Chambersburg Fire Department and EMS arrived, who continued life-saving efforts. Hettenschuller was transported to Chambersburg Hospital but was pronounced dead.

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Witnesses from the scene were able to describe the fight to police, saying one man got into a fight with the second Garber Street resident, and Hettenschuller attempted to help the resident. The witnesses saw someone matching Atkins' description pull out the handgun and fire multiple shots, hitting Hettenschuller. 

Police talked to two of the other men involved in the fight, who also talked about the fight, and saw Atkins take out the gun and shoot Hettenschuller.

Chambersburg Police recovered five spent 9mm shell casings, which confirmed Atkins' admission of using a 9mm handgun during the incident.

Police located Atkins in the 300 block of West Loudon Street later on Tuesday. Officers could be seen searching the surrounding area in the hours after the shooting. 

Atkins is being held without bail at Franklin County Jail, due to the nature of his charges, according to online court documents.

Becky Metrick, 717-262-4762