York shooting victim killed a day after his birthday; police investigating
York City Police are investigating the city's latest homicide after Kyle Otto, 31, was shot to death in the 500 block of Smith Street early Saturday morning.
Ted CzechA 31-year-old York man was gunned down early Saturday morning in the city's latest homicide, a day after his birthday, according to York County Coroner Pam Gay.
Gay identified the victim as Kyle Otto, of Wilson Court, York. Otto's birthday was Friday, she said.
Just before 3:30 a.m., York City Police responded to reports of a gunshot victim in the 500 block of Smith Street. Once there, police found a deceased Otto, according to a news release.
Otto's death is the fifth homicide in the city this year, Gay said. One of the five, the death of Christian Ivan Gutierrez-Rosado, was determined to be justified.
Police said Otto was targeted and was a member of the GVI, York's Group Violence Initiative.
On Sunday, police issued a clarification to their initial news release, stating, "The recent homicide in York City on the 500 block of Smith St is Group Violence Initiative (GVI) related because the suspects believed to be involved are parts of violent groups within the city. The victim, has not been identified as part of any associated group. While the York City Police Department is still investigating, and has developed leads in this case, enough evidence to formally identify any suspects or proceed with an arrest has not yet been established."
At the spot where Otto was found, loved ones had placed candles, Hennessy bottles and a small birthday balloon. Some of the messages written on the candles wished Otto a happy birthday.
On the sidewalk and in the street, investigators had used orange spray-paint to indicate evidence in the case.
Details on the shooting, including a possible motive and any suspects, were not available Sunday.
An autopsy confirmed that Otto died from multiple gunshot wounds.
How to help
Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any of the individuals involved is asked to contact the York City Police Department using any of the following methods and reference incident number 19031833. Tipsters will never have to give their name
Call York County Crime Stoppers at 755TIPS
York City Police Tip Line at 717-849-2204
York City Police Department at 717-846-1234 or 717-849-2219
Text information to “York tips” at 847411 (TIP411)
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