Neighbor charged in couple's shooting deaths in Frankford

FRANKFORD (WTXF) - Philadelphia Police have arrested and charged a man in the shooting death of his two neighbors in Frankford earlier this month.

Police responded to the 2700 block of James Street around 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 16 for a report of a shooting.

Officers arrived on scene to find 45-year-old Bob DePaul and his girlfriend, 42-year-old August Dempsey, with gunshot wounds to the back of their heads, laying in an alley. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say the two were shot after allegedly trying to jump their neighbor's fence during an argument. That neighbor, 69-year-old Kenneth Hoyle, has been charged with first degree murder.

Hoyle tells police he felt threatened and that the shooting was in self-defense.

Police say Hoyle originally admitted to the shooting, and was taken into custody for a short time, but was then released.

Neighbors tell FOX 29 that they wish charges had been filed sooner, sending a petition with 5000 signatures to the District Attorney's office urging that action be taken.