HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Elijah Penn, of York, has been sentenced to a life in prison — without the possibility of parole — for killing 20-year-old Justin Griffith at a park in 2021.
Penn, 21, was convicted in December 2025 by a York County jury of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person.
On Friday, a York County Common Pleas Judge sentenced Penn to life in prison, plus 21 to 42 years.
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder of the destruction caused by senseless gun violence,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Two families will forever be impacted by this callous and brutal murder. While no sentence can bring Justin back, we hope the closure of the criminal case helps his family heal.”
Justin’s mother, Chawna Griffith, spoke at the sentencing hearing. “Justin Gabriel Griffith’s life mattered. He mattered to his family, his community, and to the many people whose lives he touched,” she said. “His legacy lives on through love, memory, and purpose.”
The investigation revealed that Penn was a gang member targeting a member of a rival gang. In July 2021, he approached a group of people playing basketball at Cousler Park basketball courts in York. Penn fired as many as 16 shots, killing Griffith and wounding his intended target.
This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger.
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