Arrest made in slaying of 14-year-old in North Philly

Dimitrius Brown arrived at the city courthouse Friday morning to stand trial for theft.

But before his trial even began, he left in handcuffs, accused of a much more serious offense: the murder of 14-year-old Duval DeShields, who was shot Monday in North Philadelphia.

Homicide detectives served Brown's arrest warrant in the courtroom just after 10 a.m. Friday. Cameron Kline, a spokesman for the District Attorney's Office, said such arrests are not uncommon.

"In a situation like this, we know where the defendant is, and it's a semi-secure place to serve and make that arrest," he said. He said Brown, of Logan, was taken into custody without incident.

The 19-year-old has been charged with murder, conspiracy, and firearm violations.

Police say Brown shot DeShields, of South Philadelphia, in the head during an argument on the 1200 block of North 10th Street. Police found the 14-year-old in the street; as they rushed him to Hahnemann University Hospital, a BB gun fell out of his pocket.

DeShields survived into the next day and was pronounced dead around 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Police would not elaborate on what the argument was about, but a witness told investigators that just before DeShields was shot, he had been having an argument over the phone with a boy his age.

Shortly afterward, the witness told police, Brown approached DeShields on the street. Brown was there on behalf of the boy Brown had been arguing with. The two began fighting, and Brown shot him, police said.

Police said they believe the BB gun had nothing to do with the shooting.

Brown's theft trial has been rescheduled for next month. He also is awaiting trial in a drug-dealing case.

awhelan@philly.com

215-854-2961 @aubreyjwhelan