Olney man held for trial in Finley Playground shooting

A 19-year-old man facing murder charges in connection to a fatal shooting that unfolded near a public recreation center in the city’s Stenton section is now scheduled to stand trial.

Saleem Snead, of Olney, appeared in Philadelphia Municipal Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing following the shooting death of Paris Talbert, a 17-year-old from Elkins Park in nearby Montgomery County.

Just after 11 p.m. on Sept. 7, Talbert was shot several times in the abdomen. Officers found the teen on the ground near Finley Playground on the 1000 block of East Hortter Street near Lowber Avenue.

Talbert was taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:15 a.m. on Sept. 8.

During the proceedings, defense attorney Thomas Burke, who is representing Snead, heavily questioned one witness’ ability to identify the defendant in the dark and, ultimately, requested for the case to be dismissed.

Judge Karen Y. Simmons denied that request and held Snead for trial. The proceedings are scheduled to begin on Dec. 11.

Throughout the hearing, the victim’s mother, who was wearing a monogrammed sweatshirt featuring photos of her son and the phrase “Rest In Peace Paris,” sobbed quietly and held her head in her hands.

Following the proceedings, Talbert’s mother and Snead’s mother exchanged heated words in the courtroom. The argument erupted into some pushing and security had to escort both parties outside.

Snead is facing chargers of murder, illegal gun possession and related offenses.