No motive reported in teen’s slaying broadcast on Snapchat

In a disturbing digital twist, authorities say the suspect in a teenager’s murder posted images of himself beside the corpse on Snapchat.

Maxwell Marion Morton, 16, of Jeannette, Pa., outside Pittsburgh, was arrested last week in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Ryan Mangan, the Pittsburgh Tribune reported.

Mangan was shot in the face inside his home. His mother later discovered his body.

After Morton was arraigned to face charges of murder as an adult, authorities disclosed that a key piece of evidence was a Snapchat message that alleged killer sent to another friend.

Snapchat is an app that allows users to send each other brief video messages, which then disappear.

However, the recipient of Morton’s “snuff” Snapchat saved the message. That child’s mother contacted 911.

According to the Associated Press, Morton also sent the messages, “Told you I cleaned up the shells” and “Ryan was not the last one.” No other information about the Snapchat was available.

Westmoreland County D.A. John Peck did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Morton allegedly confessed to the murder, and police found a 9mm handgun under his bed, according to the Tribune. No motive was reported.

Morton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Feb. 19, according to the Pittsbugh Tribune.

Mangan’s funeral was scheduled to be held this morning.