COLUMBIA, Pa. A 17-year-old Columbia resident charged in connection with a fatal stabbing earlier this summer will have his case move forward in Lancaster County Court after waiving his preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

Joshua D. Flores, 17, is charged with criminal homicide and tampering with evidence in the July 8 death of Anthony Stoy-Velazquez, 26. By waiving the preliminary hearing, the case now advances to the next stage of court proceedings.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on July 8 near Third and Linden streets in Columbia Borough. Stoy-Velazquez was found in the roadway suffering from a single stab wound to the chest. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators from the Columbia Borough Police Department and Lancaster County detectives spent several weeks gathering evidence before Flores was arrested on July 27. Authorities previously stated that surveillance footage and information provided by multiple witnesses and community members played key roles in the investigation.

According to investigators, an altercation between Flores and Stoy-Velazquez preceded the stabbing. Witness statements and surveillance video reportedly helped detectives reconstruct the events leading up to the incident.

Prosecutors have also alleged that Flores attempted to conceal evidence following the stabbing, leading to the tampering with evidence charge.

Flores remains in custody as the criminal case proceeds through Lancaster County Court.

The death of Stoy-Velazquez shocked many in the Columbia community, where family and friends have continued to remember him through memorials and calls for justice.

As the case moves forward, it is important to note that criminal charges are allegations, and Flores is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Columbia Chronicle will continue to provide updates as future court proceedings are scheduled.