Skip to content
News
Link copied to clipboard

Police seek gunmen who fired into crowd, killing 1, hurting 5

It was a brazen attack that left one dead and five wounded, and police are asking for the public's help to find the gunmen who fired into a crowd outside a Southwest Philadelphia corner store earlier this month.

It was a brazen attack that left one dead and five wounded, and police are asking for the public's help to find the gunmen who fired into a crowd outside a Southwest Philadelphia corner store earlier this month.

A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest, and the case has been assigned to the Homicide Task Force, police said.

"We know people out there know who did this and we need someone to step forward," said Capt. James Clark, commander of the Homicide Unit.

Devin Hatch, 22, was hit in the arms, legs, abdomen and groin during the Oct. 6 shooting. He died at the scene, outside Los Papi Deli & Grocery at 54th Street and Florence Avenue. Five people were injured - one critically, with two gunshot wounds to the chest.

Two to three gunmen fired into the crowd "without regard for human life," Clark said. "It just as easily could have been six people killed."

Police believe the incident is connected to a dispute between groups from different neighborhoods. They are trying to determine whether it is linked to other shootings and an earlier homicide. Clark stressed that anyone with information can speak to police anonymously.

On Wednesday afternoon, residents in the area said the neighborhood was still reeling from the violence.

The corner was covered in teddy bears, candles, and handwritten messages: "We'll miss you, Dev." "Love you, Dev." "Sorry, love."

"A lot of the neighbors knew [Hatch], and a lot of them are upset," said Mike Williams, of Florence Street. "People are just tired of the violence, the senseless killings."

Anyone with information should call Sgt. Bob Wilkins at 215-686-3263.