Key Takeaways:
- A triple shooting occurred on New Year’s Day in Northeast Philadelphia, resulting in the deaths of two men and injuring another.
- The violence began with an argument among people who knew one another, and multiple individuals were involved.
- Police have individuals in custody and are continuing to investigate the incident.
- The killings mark Philadelphia’s first two homicides of the year.
- The community is in shock, describing the victims as generous and well-liked individuals.
Introduction to the Incident
The city of Philadelphia witnessed a tragic start to the new year with a triple shooting on New Year’s Day, leaving two men dead and another injured. The incident occurred on the 7100 block of Oakland Street in Northeast Philadelphia, where evidence markers were scattered across lawns, sidewalks, and the street. According to sources, the violence began with an argument among people who knew one another, and a stepdaughter of one of the victims was "knocked out" before the gunfire. This argument escalated into a chaotic scene, with multiple people involved beyond the three shooting victims.
The Chaotic Scene
The gunfire erupted shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday, and neighbors described the scene as chaotic. Bullets struck a parked car and even entered a nearby living room while someone was inside. Neighbor Amy Smith, who lives nearby, described the scene: "We heard what initially sounded like fireworks, and then realized it was gunshots, and we heard a bunch of screaming to get help, somebody call 911. And I looked out my window and it was just extreme chaos." Smith said she heard loud arguing before the shots and saw her longtime neighbor lying on the ground when she went outside. The victim’s stepdaughter was standing over him, screaming, and his wife was also screaming. Smith then saw a black Chrysler speeding away from the scene.
Response and Investigation
Police said a private vehicle dropped off two gunshot victims from the incident at Temple University Hospital, where one of them died. Another man was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and later died there. Family members identified the victim taken to Jefferson Torresdale as Luis Colon. The police have possession of the vehicle that dropped off the two victims at Temple University Hospital. Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and authorities have individuals in custody. However, there is no word on whether anybody has been charged in the incident. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and can be reached at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
Community Reaction
The killings mark Philadelphia’s first two homicides of the year, and the community is in shock. Neighbors described the man who lived on the block as generous and well-liked. Paul Cuikla, a neighbor, said, "He’d go out of his way to help anybody." Amy Smith shared a recent example of the victim’s kindness: "In fact, two days ago, he was outside helping me and my daughter got a car for Christmas, and he was helping me out because she got her first flat." The community is mourning the loss of these two individuals, and the police are working to bring those responsible to justice.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The triple shooting on New Year’s Day in Northeast Philadelphia is a tragic reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. As the community comes to terms with the loss of two well-liked individuals, it is essential to remember the importance of reporting any information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. By working together, the community and the police can bring justice to the victims and their families. If you have any information, please call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.