Police charge one in death of Tsarina Powell

Police charge one in death of Tsarina Powell

Police arrested and charged one man and was still searching for others linked to the shooting death of Tsarina Powell.

Derrick L. Martin, 19, of the 2900 block of West Arthington was arrested and charged with first degree murder Saturday.

The 12-year-old Powell was brutally gunned downearlier this month as she slept in her home on the 5900 block of South Honore.

More than 20 bullets cased the back of the two story structure during what police now know was a "direct hit" on the house.

"Someone in the house owed money," said Lt. Kenny Mann, during a press conference Monday.

Mann stated that information leading to Martin and several other suspects came days after the attack but the offenders were unable to be subdued.

A police spokesperson said the attack stemmed from a retaliation over a debt.

"We believe it was a drug related," said a police spokesperson.

Police said the intended target was not Powell, but a relative who was not in the house when the attack occurred.

Police were unable to give detailed information about the investigation because it was still pending but said Martin was arrested on the West Side and told police in a videotaped confession he was involved in the shooting; however, he was not the shooter. Police were still trying to find other suspects linked to the shooting.

Police said they know others involved and were still trying to figure out who pulled the fatal shot.

"We know some and others we don't but we are still trying to figure that out," said a police spokesperson.

No weapons have been recovered but police believe the gun used was a high powered rifle was used in the attack.

Martin was currently on two-years probation for the theft of an automobile.

The other suspects being sought in the shooting will also face first degree murder charges.

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Photo (Derrick Martin)