8 sought for questioning in fatal stabbing of homeless man in Rittenhouse Square

A 51-year-old homeless man was fatally stabbed late Thursday in Rittenhouse Square, police said Friday.

The victim was identified as Dean Jordan, Homicide Capt. Jason Smith said at an afternoon news conference. A witness told police that eight men who appeared to be in their early 20s were “drinking and fighting” in the park, Smith said.

“It is this group of people who are believed to be responsible for the victim’s death,” said Smith, who urged anyone from the group to come forward.

Police responded to the park after receiving a report of a person screaming about 10:11 p.m. Officers found the victim “standing by the southwest corner entrance of the park bleeding profusely, suffering from multiple stab wounds to his back,” Smith said. Medics took him to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:54 p.m.

Jordan “was uncooperative with both treatment and also with furnishing information to us concerning the assault,” and did not identify his attacker or attackers, Smith said.

No weapon was recovered from the scene.

Jordan’s mother, who lives in California, was notified of his death, Smith said. Jordan had an address on the 3700 block of Spruce Street in University City, but that is the location of a UPS Store where he might have been receiving mail, Smith said.

Police initially said one of the males was wearing a red jacket, but Smith declined to provide clothing descriptions for the males sought.

He said police are seeking surveillance videos that might show the group. The square has cameras that face the fountains, but they did not capture the fight, he said.

Tipsters may call the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or the Homicide Division at 215-686-3334.