SEPTA conductor who was father to 7 'ambushed and executed' on front lawn, police say
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia homicide detectives are investigating after a father of seven children was gunned down in what detectives now say may have been a case of mistaken identity Monday morning.
According to police, officers responded to a residence on the 100 block of Washington Lane in Germantown for reports of a shooting.
Authorities say 37-year-old Daniel Ruley was found dead on his front lawn.
Daniel Ruly, a 37-year-old father of seven, was killed in a shooting that police believe may have been a case of mistaken identity. (Photos: Family Handout)
Witnesses told investigators that a black Sedan parked in front of the victim's house and waited for him to come outside before a man stepped outside of the car and "ambushed and executed," according to Captain Anthony Ginaldi. Officials say 15 spent shell casings were found on the scene.
Ginaldi says the bullets were fired in rapid succession, leading authorities to believe that the gun used in the shooting may have been modified.
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Late Monday morning, SEPTA confirmed that Ruley was a Regional Rail conductor and had been with SEPTA for 13 years.
"We are shocked and saddened by the tragic and senseless murder of SEPTA employee Daniel Ruley, who was shot and killed outside his Germantown home early this morning. Mr. Ruley was a Regional Rail conductor and worked for SEPTA for 13 years. SEPTA’s thoughts are with Mr. Ruley’s family at this extremely difficult time. Counseling is being made available for co-workers. SEPTA will continue to assist Philadelphia Police in any way possible as this investigation continues," SEPTA officials said in a statement.
Homicide Captain Jason Smith tells FOX 29's Kelly Rule they are investigating whether the shooting victim was mistaken for another intended target.
According to authorities, there is surveillance video that investigators will use as part of the ongoing investigation.