Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — A 15-year-old boy walked up to his classmate on the front steps of their school and opened fire, shooting him repeatedly until his gun ran completely out of bullets — all over a pair of stolen Beats headphones. When detectives later asked why he kept going, the teenager laughed and said, “If you’re going to shoot someone, you may as well finish the job.”
Jaymier Perry has now pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Derrick Harris Jr., who was also 15 years old at the time of his death. Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, where Perry faces 35 years to life in prison. Because he was a minor at the time of the crime, he may be eligible to serve less than a full life sentence.
The shooting occurred on May 24, 2023, at approximately 7:25 a.m. outside Oliver Citywide Academy, a Pittsburgh public school serving students with special education needs. Police technology recorded 11 shots fired. Officers arriving at the scene found Harris shot multiple times near the school’s front entrance. A second individual, identified as Perry, was spotted fleeing with a firearm and was immediately arrested.
Harris was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
During questioning, Perry revealed that two days before the shooting, Harris had taken his Beats headphones. Rather than reporting the theft, Perry devised a plan. Knowing both he and Harris typically arrived at school early, he waited for the opportunity. That morning, he approached Harris on the steps and fired until the weapon was completely empty — striking him 10 times. Surveillance footage then captured Perry approaching Harris on the ground and kicking and stomping on his head before fleeing.
Derrick Harris Jr. was remembered by his family as a kindhearted, loving son and brother whose smile and humor brought warmth to everyone around him.
The school was later closed and divided into four satellite locations following a series of violent incidents on campus within an 18-month period.
