Police investigating two separate killings near Hunting Park Recreation Center
The men, who have yet to be publicly identified, were found shot to death days apart near the recreation center's athletic fields.
Philadelphia homicide detectives are investigating two fatal shootings that occurred days apart near Hunting Park Recreation Center, where both victims were found with gunshot wounds near the park’s recreational facilities.
The victims — both adult males who have yet to be publicly identified — were discovered less than a week apart in separate areas of the recreation center, raising questions about whether the killings could be connected.
Police have not said whether they believe the shootings are related.
On June 26, just before 11 p.m., patrol officers discovered a man believed to be between 25-30 suffering from a gunshot wound to the back near the outdoor basketball courts. He was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he died a short time later. Police discovered a .40-caliber fired cartridge casing nearby.
The killing comes six days after police discovered a man shot to death near the center’s baseball field. It was shortly after 10 p.m. on June 20, when police responding to a call for a shooting, found the 45-year-old victim suffering from gunshot wounds while seated on bleachers near the field. The victim, who had been shot in the torso, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered two 9 mm fired cartridge casings during that investigation.
Police have not released any motives or announced any suspects in the killings. Investigators have been searching the surrounding area for video surveillance footage, police said.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, 80 people have been murdered in the city so far in 2026, a nearly 30% decrease from the same period last year.
Anyone with information about either shooting is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).
