Preliminary hearing delayed again for man accused of East Sharpnack Street murder

A 19-year-old man facing murder charges in connection to a fatal shooting in the city’s East Mt. Airy section will now appear in court Nov. 28. This after Wednesday’s preliminary hearing was rescheduled.

Brian Tootle, 19, allegedly shot and killed Nafis Armstead on the 200 block of East Sharpnack Street on July 27. Armstead, 23, was shot in the head, chest and leg during the evening incident.

A second shooting vicitm, Gerald Jones, 26, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, but survived.

Assistant District Attorney Brian Zarallo, who is prosecuting the case, requested the continuance after the wrong police officer was subpoenaed. The necessary officer was not present in court.

Afterwards, Diamond Armstead, the victim’s wife, said she longs to know the truth about what occured the night her husband was killed. She said she is certain that the new hearing date will bring her “one step closer to closure.”

Tootle’s family declined to comment.

Tootle is charged with murder, conspiracy murder, possession of an instrument of crime and possession of firearms without a license.