LANCASTER, PA — A preliminary hearing on Tuesday has resulted in three individuals being charged in connection with the killing of 19-year-old Elliott Corbin III in Lancaster city on January 6, 2024. The hearing, presided over by Magisterial District Judge John Bender, concluded with the decision to move forward with prosecution in Lancaster County Court.
Tajhon Veal, 20, Joy Cleveland, 19, and Jalani Morales, 19, face charges related to the homicide, among other allegations. Veal’s charges include criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, and criminal conspiracy. Cleveland is charged with criminal homicide and criminal conspiracy, while Morales faces charges including criminal homicide, criminal use of a communication facility, tampering with or fabricating evidence, and hindering apprehension or prosecution.
During the two-hour hearing, Assistant District Attorney Christopher Miller presented Lancaster City Bureau of Police lead Detective Jared Snader as a witness. Snader testified to an altercation between Cleveland and Corbin III earlier on the day of the incident, followed by Cleveland allegedly luring Corbin III onto his balcony under suspicious circumstances. Around 5:28 p.m., police responded to reports of shots fired at Corbin III’s residence, where he was found with a fatal gunshot wound.
The prosecution’s narrative suggests a premeditated act, highlighted by recovered 9mm shell casings and video footage tracking Veal’s movements before and after the shooting. Furthermore, phone data extraction indicated communication between Veal and Cleveland, first cousins, prior to the murder. Morales is alleged to have assisted Veal post-incident.
Despite the defense’s arguments challenging the specificity and strength of the evidence, Judge Bender decided to hold all charges for Lancaster County Court. Veal and Cleveland were arrested on January 26, 2024, with Morales’ arrest following on March 15. All three defendants are currently held without bail in Lancaster County Prison, awaiting formal arraignment on April 26.
It is essential to emphasize that these charges are allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case, marked by its complexity and the tragic loss of a young life, underscores the painstaking efforts of law enforcement to piece together events leading to violent crimes. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits further developments and justice for Elliott Corbin III.
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