Trial Begins for Steffen Tidwell Jr. in Shooting Case

Lancaster, October 8, 2025

News Summary

Steffen Vadoria Tidwell Jr. is on trial in Lancaster County for the murder of Jomar Almestica, who was shot while attending a party. The trial follows a previous mistrial and centers on the testimony of Almestica’s mother. The prosecution aims to prove Tidwell’s guilt, while the defense will attempt to highlight inconsistencies in witness testimonies.

Lancaster

Steffen Vadoria Tidwell Jr., 31, is currently on trial in Lancaster County court this week, facing charges related to the shooting death of 26-year-old Jomar Almestica. Almestica was killed on August 20, 2021, outside a party held on the 600 block of Hebrank Street in Lancaster City. Prosecutors allege that Almestica was a bystander who was not involved in an argument but was standing nearby when Tidwell shot him five times.

The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to last a week. Almestica’s mother was a key witness to the shooting and identified Tidwell to the police. Tidwell subsequently turned himself in several days after the incident took place. This is Tidwell’s second trial; his first trial, held in January, ended in a mistrial due to improper police testimony concerning Tidwell’s past criminal history.

Details of the Incident

On the night of August 20, 2021, the party where Almestica was present escalated into a violent altercation. Witnesses have reportedly stated that Almestica was merely an innocent bystander when the confrontation erupted, eventually leading to Tidwell opening fire. Tidwell was charged with murder following the tragic incident.

Almestica’s mother observed the shooting, and her testimony has been crucial in establishing the events that unfolded that night. After the shooting, Tidwell fled the scene but later voluntarily surrendered to authorities, suggesting he was aware of the gravity of the situation and the warrant that would likely be issued for his arrest.

Previous Legal Issues

Steffen Vadoria Tidwell Jr. is no stranger to legal troubles. In 2018, he was sentenced to two to four years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of reckless endangerment and firearms violations stemming from incidents in 2017. This prior conviction has undoubtedly colored perceptions of him in the current court proceedings, particularly after the January mistrial due to factors related to his criminal background.

The current prosecution is determined to convince the jury of Tidwell’s guilt, arguing that Almestica’s murder was reckless and inexcusable. The defense is anticipated to present arguments that may highlight any inconsistencies in witness testimonies and question the evidence presented against Tidwell. As this trial unfolds, the community is watching closely to see how justice will ultimately be served in this tragic case.

What Happens Next?

The prosecution and defense are expected to present detailed evidence over the coming days. With the trial progressing, both legal teams have the opportunity to present their cases and make strong appeals to the jury regarding their interpretations of the motives and actions surrounding the shooting incident. The outcome of this retrial could have significant implications for both Tidwell and the community of Lancaster, as they await the conclusion of this long-standing legal battle.

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Additional Resources

• WGAL: Pennsylvania Double Homicide
• Wikipedia: Homicide
• Lancaster Online: Double Homicide Update
• Google Search: West Hempfield Township Homicide
• Local 21 News: Double Homicide Identified
• Google Scholar: Double Homicide Lancaster
• Fox43: Lancaster County Shooting Conviction
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

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