Eric Tavener was 18 and from Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. He died on February 27, 2020, from a single gunshot wound to the chest after being found on the front porch of a residence on Gay Street. The Schuylkill County coroner’s autopsy ruled the death a homicide.

Witnesses at the scene said 22-year-old Francis Witmayer Jr. shot Tavener while attempting to disassemble a handgun that allegedly discharged. Witmayer was taken into custody at the scene; a silver and black Taurus G2C 9 mm handgun was recovered from his vehicle. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, arraigned before District Judge Christina Hale, and held in Schuylkill County Prison after posting $100,000 bail.

The case centers on an apparent accidental discharge during handling of the firearm. Does anyone have information about the events on Gay Street that night or knew Eric Tavener?