Police: 15-Year-Old Found Dead in Car Has Been Identified

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) Police have identified the 15-year-old boy who was discovered dead in a car in North Philadelphia.

The teen has been identified as Xavier Stern from Upper Darby.

"I saw the police officers searching the car," said a woman. She watched as Philadelphia Police surrounded a broken down 1998 Lincoln Town Car sitting on Park Avenue near Cumberland Street in North Philadelphia Friday night.
Police say inside was the body of a 15-year-old boy with at least one gunshot wound to the head.

"It's hard to see his face. He's slumped over. He's wearing a hooded sweatshirt. The hood is actually pulled over his head," said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Police say they got several calls just after 7:00 from people who reported hearing someone screaming about a body inside a car. Police say when they got there two people who identified themselves as the boy's parents were already on scene.

"It has not been verified at his point but family members believe it is a 15-year-old boy. This 15-year old boy lives in Upper Darby. He was recently this past Wednesday reported missing," said Chief Inspector Small.

It's unclear how the family found out the boy was inside the car. Police say they used to live in the neighborhood. Police also say the abandoned car belongs to a man who lives on the block and they say kids were known to hang out in the car. A neighbor who lives a few doors down says she's shocked and doesn't recall hearing gunshots.

"It makes me feel terrible," said the neighbor.

Police aren't sure yet if this a homicide or suicide. They were interviewing the family and the owner of the car. They have not recovered a weapon yet and say no bullet holes were found on the outside of the car.
Police are looking at real time crime cameras nearby and viewing video from private home security cameras for any clues.