Ellsworth Man Facing Trial In Fatal Shooting

An Ellsworth man will face trial for his alleged shooting of his ex-girlfriend’s new partner. Christopher Harper, 18 is charged with felony homicide and carrying a firearm without a license in the August 17 shooting of Elijah Johnson, 21 of Carnegie on Walnut Steet in Ellsworth Borough. During his preliminary hearing, the victim’s girlfriend Samiya Kastner testified that she heard a loud boom and saw Harper in her bedroom. She looked at Johnson and saw him in a pool of blood. She testified that she used to date Harper. Earlier testimony from a juvenile placed Harper at the scene. The witness said that she saw Harper pull a gun from a backpack and reach into the bedroom where Johnson was located and heard a loud boom. State Police testimony spoke of an interview with Harper after he was apprehended. Harper stated that he stepped into the bedroom where Johnson was lying next to Kastner. He saw a gun at the end of the bed and Johnson threatened to kill him. Harper then said he shot Johnson. Harper faces additional charges of burglary and reckless endangerment. The judge held all charges for trial.