US Teen Requests Help from Friend on SNS After Murder

Shared Bloodied Video with Message "Just Killed Someone"
Police Dispatched After Tip and Arrested Suspect Following Chase

Joshua Cooper. Photo by ABC News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] A shocking incident occurred in Pennsylvania, USA, where a 16-year-old boy, after committing murder, sent a message via Instagram to a friend asking for help in disposing of the body, and was eventually arrested by the police following the friend's report.

According to local media including ABC News on the 27th (local time), the Bensalem Police Department in Pennsylvania received a tip-off call on the afternoon of the 25th stating, "It seems a murder has occurred."

The informant said that their friend, Joshua Cooper, sent a video message via Instagram saying, "I just killed someone. Help me dispose of the body." The informant added that Joshua showed the victim's blood-covered arms and legs in the video.

The police immediately dispatched officers to the address provided by the informant. Upon arrival, Joshua fled but was caught in a nearby forest after running about 1.6 km. The Bensalem Police Department stated that a teenage girl was found dead from a gunshot wound on the bathroom floor, and traces of attempts to conceal the scene were also discovered.

Joshua was charged with possession of a firearm and evidence tampering. At 16 years old, Joshua will face the same sentencing as an adult. In his police statement, Joshua claimed that he took a handgun from his father's gun safe that morning and that the shooting was a simple accident. Joshua's mother prevented him from making further statements.

The identity of the victim and the detailed motive behind Joshua's crime have not yet been revealed. Joshua is currently detained at the Edison Juvenile Detention Center in Pennsylvania, and the indictment is scheduled for December 7.