Tragedy struck on a basketball court in Philadelphia as three men lost their lives and another was injured in a shooting incident.
The gunfire erupted shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday at the 8th and Diamond courts in North Philadelphia, according to a statement from the Philadelphia Police Department. Authorities reported that a group of five males opened fire on a gathering at the court before swiftly leaving the area.
Deputy Commissioner James Kelly of the Philadelphia Police provided details, saying, “Kids weren’t on the court. The kids were on the other side of the fence playing in the street. But some of those rounds hit houses across the street. So it’s a tragic situation but no young children got hit.”
One victim, 21-year-old Isiah Williams from Lawncrest, was pronounced deἀd at Temple University Hospital at 9:53 p.m. on Saturday, as confirmed by the PPD. Another victim, aged 23, also sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was in critical condition upon arrival at the hospital.
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Sadly, two more victims, Nyreese Moore (22) from North Philadelphia and Naasir Folk (24) from Olney, were declared deἀd by medics at the scene at around 6 p.m. Friday. The condition of the hospitalized victim, who was shot twice in the abdomen, remains undisclosed.
At the crime scene, law enforcement recovered over 50 spent shell casings, believed to originate from three different firearms. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the police lack information about the motive behind the attack or the identities of the assailants. The investigation is actively ongoing under the Homicide Unit, as stated by the PPD.
Authorities suspect that the victims might have been specifically targeted by the shooters. Deputy Commissioner Kelly noted, “It does seem like they had a specific group or person they were going out to shoot.”
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney took to social media to express his condolences and concern, stating, “I am horrified by the reports of a quadruple shooting tonight and praying for the victims as well as their families and loved ones.”
Mayor Kenney announced a reward of $10,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who discharge firearms near schools, libraries, or recreation centers. Additionally, he informed the public that over 100 new security cameras have been installed around city recreation centers to discourage criminal activity and violence.
