PHILADELPHIA, PA – A late-night party in North Philadelphia turned deadly when gunfire erupted, killing a 17-year-old girl and wounding two others. The incident occurred just after 12:30 a.m. Sunday at a housing development on the 600 block of North Franklin Place.
Police received a wave of 911 calls in regards to the shooting. The callers reported chaos and violence at the scene. Among the victims were two teenage girls and a young man, according to Inspector D.F. Pace.
Tragically, the 17-year-old girl suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was ultimately pronounced dead at Jefferson University Hospital. A 16-year-old girl, struck multiple times, remains in critical but stable condition. Additionally, a 21-year-old man was shot in the leg and is now considered to be in stable condition.
Authorities suspect a group of four masked young men, possibly juveniles, were responsible for the attack. Dressed in black, the suspects infiltrated a courtyard where a gathering was underway. However, police have yet to determine if the victims were the intended targets.
The scene revealed seven spent shell casings, with many more discovered along a potential escape route. The shooters reportedly fled in a stolen black BMW, which may have sustained bullet damage, heading south on 8th Street toward Spring Garden Street.
The investigation is ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend the suspects.