27-year-old Shakeyah Barnes sought in connection with fatal shooting of 20-year-old Jalea Turner in Erie

Erie, PA – Erie Police Department officials have named 27-year-old Shakeyah T. Barnes as the primary suspect in the city’s initial homicide case of 2025.

Barnes, an Erie local also recognized as “Red,” faces multiple charges including homicide, attempted homicide, and aggravated assault.

The incident occurred at a private, exclusive New Year’s Eve gathering located in the 900 block of West 19th Street.

Police reports indicate Barnes was engaged in a confrontation characterized as an “east side versus west side dispute” before departing the event. The shooting transpired moments after Barnes left the premises.

Party attendees identified Barnes as the perpetrator, though the suspect remains unapprehended as of Friday morning.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook confirmed the deceased as 20-year-old Jalea Turner, an Erie resident.

Turner suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced brain-dead on January 1st afternoon, following a post-mortem examination conducted Saturday.

Turner was among two individuals shot in the incident.

The additional victim, who sustained a leg wound, has received medical care and been discharged from the hospital.

Erie Police Department continues its active pursuit of Barnes, who has not been located since the shooting occurred. The investigation remains ongoing, with no arrests made thus far.

Law enforcement officials request that anyone possessing information regarding Barnes’s location or details about the shooting contact Detective Sergeant David Madurski or Detective Ronald Pilarski of the Major Crime Unit at 814-870-1229.

Officials stress the vital role of community assistance in solving this case and maintaining public safety. Additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.