Man charged after allegedly opening fire on van, killing woman

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia police say a man has been charged after allegedly opening fire on a van filled with women and children back in February-- a 23-year-old woman inside the van was killed.

On Monday, 33-year-old Timothy B. Barnes was arrested and charged with murder and related offenses, according to police.

Surveillance cameras were rolling as gunshots rang out and a van driven by Tyisha Timmons careened across Broad Street and crashed into a building after she was struck in the head by gunfire. There were three other women and three young children inside the van with her.

"Pain I never felt before so I don't know what it's like to lose a sibling. First time, it really hurts," Tyisha's brother Tyrell told FOX 29 at the family's home

Timmons is Tyisha's older brother. He says her family is devastated by the loss of the 23-year-old. He has nothing but fond memories of his sister.

"She was such a loving person. She just enjoyed life--always enjoyed helping take care of family and her niece," Tyrell said.

Police say Tyisha and a van load of family members drove through a shooting scene at 16th and Nedro where at least five shots were fired. As they sped away to escape and turn onto Broad Street--they dropped off one of the women. When they returned minutes later to pick her up on Broad Street witnesses heard the deadly gunfire.

After Tyisha was shot, the family van veered out of control, crossed a median and crashed. Police arrived within seconds as family members fled the van and the gunmen escaped. An arrest warrant was issued for the suspect back in June.