Death warrant signed for convicted Phila. killer

Gov. Rendell yesterday signed the death warrant for Derrick G. Ragan, 36, of Philadelphia, who in 1992 was sentenced to die for the slaying two years earlier of 22-year-old Darren Brown. Ragan's execution by lethal injection was set for Feb. 7.

Ragan shot Brown 13 times after a June 26, 1990, argument over who could use a basketball court at the Tustin playground in West Philadelphia, according to a news release from Rendell's office.

Ragan has been an inmate at Graterford state prison since July 1991. He is also serving a life sentence for the June 15, 1990, murder of Anthony Thomas, the governor's office said. Ragan shot Thomas following an argument over money.

- Inquirer staff