Jailed father of slain Camden teen can attend funeral

A federal judge ruled Friday that an incarcerated drug suspect will be allowed to attend Monday's funeral of his 13-year-old son, the first person killed in Camden in 2016.

"Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus," murmured Taisha Mercado, the weeping mother of Nathaniel Plummer Jr., on hearing the ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Williams.

Williams did not reveal the conditions of the temporary release of Nathaniel Plummer Sr., 31. But she challenged him to abide by her sealed terms, even though, she said, some people will hope he fails.

"Don't disappoint yourself, don't disappoint your family," Williams said.

About 15 people - family members and supporters - were in federal court for the proceeding.

Williams offered them her condolences, as well as her wish that young Nathaniel would be "the last of these babies . . . the last life that is claimed," not only in Camden but in the country.

The boy, well-liked and a strong basketball player, was shot dead the night of Jan. 7 on the 2900 block of Line Street. A 16-year-old girl suspected in the shooting turned herself in to police about a week ago. She was wanted on attempted murder charges related to the Oct. 30 shooting of a man in East Camden, just blocks from where Plummer was killed.

The elder Plummer has been held without bail on federal drug charges. The U.S. Attorney's Office was represented in court Friday, speaking against his temporary release. The office has had concerns about Plummer as a flight risk.

Chardae Plummer, the accused's wife, said under oath that she would act as his third-party custodian, agreeing to alert authorities if he violated the terms of his release.

Mercado, who also took the stand, testified that she would make it her duty to assist Chardae Plummer.

She said she had known Plummer for "a very long time." He has "made mistakes," she testified. But she said he loved all three of his children "unconditionally" and would not be a flight risk.

Williams, who said she, too, is a mother, thanked Mercado for appearing before the court.

Plummer attended Octavius V. Catto Community School.

856-779-3893 rgiordano@phillynews.com @ritagiordano