Montco Barber Shop Shooting : Hatboro Police: Ongoing Dispute Ends in Murder

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Hatboro murder case
2. Ongoing dispute Hatboro police

A Hatboro barber shop owner, Maurice Byrd, is facing charges of first-degree and third-degree murder after fatally shooting a man, Stephen Strassburg, who allegedly called him a racial slur and charged at him. The incident occurred in eastern Montgomery County, with Byrd claiming self-defense while on the phone with 911. Byrd, who has a valid permit to carry a firearm, shot Strassburg multiple times, resulting in his death. The two men had a history of disputes, with previous police interventions for verbal altercations. Witnesses reported seeing the confrontation escalate before the fatal shots were fired. Byrd remained on the phone with authorities until police arrived at the scene.

The Fatal Shooting Incident in Hatboro

The owner of a Hatboro barber shop, Maurice Byrd, has been accused of fatally shooting a man named Stephen Strassburg after an altercation that took a racial turn. The incident took place in the 220 block of North York Road in Hatboro, a small town in eastern Montgomery County.

Details of the Altercation

According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Byrd was on the phone with an emergency dispatcher when Strassburg, who lived above Byrd’s business, used a racial slur directed at Byrd. This escalated the situation, with Strassburg challenging Byrd by saying, “What are you going to do, you going to shoot me,” before calling him another racial slur.

Tragic Outcome

Immediately after the verbal exchange, the operator heard gunshots – five in rapid succession followed by a pause and then two more shots. Byrd then informed the operator that he had to shoot Strassburg, who was found in the parking lot of Razor Reese’s Salon and Spa with multiple gunshot wounds. Strassburg was pronounced dead at Abington-Jefferson Hospital.

Legal Ramifications

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced that Byrd was being charged with first-degree and third-degree murder, as well as possessing an instrument of a crime. Byrd, who has a valid permit to carry a firearm, was taken into custody without bail and is being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Center.

History of Discord

Authorities revealed that Byrd and Strassburg had a history of not getting along, with Hatboro police responding to verbal disputes at the address three times in the last 18 months. Despite warnings from the police to stay away from each other, the tension between the two men continued to escalate.

Eye-Witness Accounts

A neighbour who witnessed the altercation reported seeing Strassburg and Byrd arguing before Strassburg allegedly charged at Byrd in an aggressive manner. The witness heard gunshots and saw Byrd with a firearm near Strassburg, who was lying motionless on the ground. Another witness confirmed the aggressive behaviour of Strassburg towards Byrd.

Byrd’s Version of Events

In a police interview, Byrd claimed that Strassburg had verbally attacked him with racial slurs, prompting him to call 911 for assistance. Byrd stated that Strassburg had physically approached him and grabbed his shirt, leading to Byrd retrieving his handgun in self-defence. Byrd dropped his cell phone during the altercation but remained on the line with the dispatcher until the police arrived.

Conclusion

The tragic incident in Hatboro has left a man dead and another facing serious charges. As the investigation continues, the community is left reeling from the violence that erupted in their quiet town. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they seek to piece together the events that led to this fatal outcome.