In northeast Philadelphia a 32 year old woman returned home from her baby shower. She was unloading gifts from her Kia Soul parked outside her home near the intersection of Palmetto and Benner streets in the Lawncrest neighborhood. All of a sudden gunfire rung out. Later it was discovered that a pregnant woman outside her home was hit and suffering from gunshot wounds to her head and stomach, authorities said.
An officer a couple blocks away heard the shots and responded. He discovered her shot several times. Police officials said she was taken to Einstein Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Doctors were unable to save her unborn child.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said the city is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest, he announced Sunday morning; describing the shooting as “heartbreaking” and “deeply upsetting.” Seeming the shooting was targeted, showcasing 11 emptied shells. Tips can be called into the Philadelphia Police Department or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477). Nearly 500 homicides have taken place in Philadelphia so far this year, according to WPVI TV.
“I mean, the person who did this couldn’t be more cowardly,” Deputy Commissioner Christine Coulter told WPVI. “We can’t stop people who are intent on shooting somebody… It looks like someone was targeting her. ”She was a nice person up and down the street. It’s just sad,” said neighbor Tom Mcdonald. “It’s a lot of women and children and women are the ones that’s being shot and killed,” Deputy Police Commissioner Christine Coulter told the local news.
