Philadelphia, PA – A tragic shooting in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Philadelphia has resulted in the death of one man and the hospitalization of three others on Saturday evening. Authorities reported that a 23-year-old, an 18-year-old, and two 17-year-olds were shot on a front porch on the 1000 block of South 51st Street after 6:30 p.m.
According to Philly Police Inspector D F Pace, the scene was marked by at least 27 shell casings, indicating a significant amount of gunfire. The shooter, however, remains unidentified at this time. Tragically, the 18-year-old victim was pronounced dead at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center shortly before 7 p.m. after sustaining a gunshot wound to the face.
The 23-year-old man managed to walk into Penn Presbyterian Medical Center after being shot in the leg, while the 17-year-old victim is currently in critical but stable condition after being shot multiple times in the stomach. The teen was first taken to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital by private car before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Both the 23-year-old and 17-year-old are expected to survive their injuries.
Authorities believe that the shooting resulted from a group of males firing towards a home on 51st Street where a gathering, possibly to celebrate a graduation, was taking place. Fortunately, no one inside the home was harmed, but one of the victims sought refuge in the house. The motive behind the shooting and the connection between the victims remain unknown at this point.
As of now, there have been no arrests made in connection with the shooting, although a weapon was recovered at the scene. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the tragic events that unfolded in the Kingsessing neighborhood.