Jacob Pfeifer-Johnson, 24, of Philadelphia, died on January 16, 2019, from a gunshot wound to the chest. The shooting took place inside the home of his lifelong friend, Cory Lei Ray, in the 80 block of Indigo Road, Bristol Township, Levittown, Pennsylvania, shortly after the two returned from Neshaminy Mall. Emergency services transported Pfeifer-Johnson to St. Mary Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery but died hours later; the autopsy confirmed the gunshot wound to the chest as the cause of death.

Ray, then 24, told investigators he had removed his H and K P2000 9mm from its holster and was attempting to clear the firearm when it discharged. He said he had forgotten to drop the magazine, allowing another round to chamber, and that his thumb slipped off the hammer while de-cocking the gun. Ray was charged with involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person, arraigned on $500,000 unsecured bail, and later entered a no contest plea as part of a negotiated deal. Bucks County Judge Jeffrey Finley sentenced him to one year probation, ordered restitution to the Pennsylvania Crime Victims’ Compensation Assistance Fund, and prohibited him from ever owning or possessing a firearm again.

The case was described in court as an avoidable, tragic accident that underscores firearm safety and the consequences of a momentary lapse. If anyone knew Jacob or has information about his last hours, please share what might help clarify the events that night.