Memorial Day Homicides in 45 Minutes Across Philadelphia-What’s the Story?

Philadelphia saw a disturbing outbreak of violence this past holiday weekend, with three separate fatal shootings occurring within an hour span late Sunday night. The shootings took place in different neighborhoods across the city, leaving communities shaken and authorities searching for answers. In this article we talk about Memorial Day Homicides in 45 Minutes Across Philadelphia.

First Incident in Feltonville

According to 6ABC, the first incident unfolded around 10:30 pm in the Feltonville neighborhood. According to police reports, a crowd had gathered on Rorer Street near Bingham when multiple shooters opened fire. It appears a group at the top of the block returned fire on the shooters. Arriving officers found 34-year old Devan Harris suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

Investigators recovered over 20 spent shell casings from two groupings on the street from what they believe were both rifle and handguns. The shootout turned a holiday weekend into tragedy, as family and friends mourned Harris’ death. He was described as a devoted father to his young daughter.

“You can’t break that bond. He’s always going to be our brother. Always, forever. It’s just sad that nonsense like this always happens to innocent people,” said Chris Sanders, a close friend who viewed Harris as a brother. He and other friends believe Harris was likely not an intended target.

Tragedy Strikes Again

Roughly 30 minutes later, officers responded to another fatal shooting several miles away in the Strawberry Mansion area. Shortly before 11 pm, a 23-year-old man was shot on the corner of Cumberland and Stanley Streets. He was driven to the hospital in a private vehicle but did not survive. Over 20 shell casings were recovered from the scene. The victim was identified by police as Anthony Turner.

Third Shooting Incident

As police began investigating that case, they received word of a third shooting incident in North Philadelphia around 11:15 pm. A 55-year-old woman was shot once in the head on the 2900 block of West Wishart Street. She was pronounced dead at the scene. One spent shell casing was recovered, but the gunman remains at large.

Authorities say the motive remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether the woman was the intended target. The victim was identified as Tonya Shelton, who had lived on the block since the 1970s according to her daughter.

“My mom was very sweet. She was a social butterfly. My mom was a really good person. She did not deserve that to happen to her,” said Shelton’s daughter Sara Jackson.

Community Response and Grief

With three deadly shootings in such a short time span, many in the community are left feeling unsafe and searching for ways to curb the violence. Angelo Booker with the organization Philadelphia Ceasefire was out Sunday night posting anti-violence signs and offering support.

“I come down here to see what can I do to help. If I can do some outreach — whatever was necessary,” Booker explained. He hopes his presence encourages witnesses to speak up so the shooters can be held accountable.

Seeking Justice

As of now, the shootings remain unsolved open cases. These deadly outbursts left family members grieving lost loved ones and neighborhoods shaken on what should have been an enjoyable holiday weekend. Community leaders urge anyone with information to contact authorities so they can seek justice for the victims. I sincerely hope you find this “Memorial Day Homicides in 45 Minutes Across Philadelphia-What’s the Story?” article helpful.