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Suspects sought after woman fatally shot while standing on porch
Philly police say 27-year-old Jasmine Johnson, an innocent bystander was standing on the front porch of a property in Strawberry Mansion when someone fired fatal gunshots from across the street.
PHILADELPHIA - Police say a 27-year-old was shot and killed while standing on her front porch when at least one shooter opened fire on the house.
What we know:
Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the intersection of 31st and Montgomery streets around 12:30 a.m. for reports of a shooting.
Police found a 27-year-old Jasmine Johnson lying on the living room floor of a property suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the back, according to investigators.
Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters that the victim was standing on the front porch of the property when someone began firing from across the street.
Investigators say at least 20 shots were fired in a shootout outside a Philadelphia home.
Small described a "shootout" that involved two different caliber firearms, including a rifle. Investigators found nearly two dozen fired shells at the crime scene.
It's believed that the property that was fired upon is a rooming house where other people, including children, live.
The exterior of the home was struck several times during the shooting, and at least one bullet tore through the front of the house and lodged in a first floor wall.
No other injuries were reported.
What we don't know:
No arrests were immediately reported and police have not provided a description of the shooting suspect.
Chief Inspector Small says the shooter may have been targeting a group of at least two men outside the home where the woman was killed.
What they're saying:
Councilman Young condemned the senseless act of violence in the following statement:
"I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of a young woman in Strawberry Mansion early this morning, who was shot while standing on the porch of her home on W. Montgomery Avenue near N. 31st Street. Reports indicate that shots were fired from both sides of the street, striking the home and neighboring residences. Thankfully, no other injuries have been reported.No one in Philadelphia should ever have to fear sitting on their porch or walking past a window of their own home. As a member of the City Council’s Special Committee on Gun Violence, I see firsthand the toll this epidemic takes on our communities. While no suspects have been identified, I urge anyone with information to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS. Your tips can help bring those responsible to justice.Gun violence is a preventable crisis that affects all of us. Beyond arrests, we must address the root causes of this epidemic. I remain committed to working with law enforcement, community leaders, and my colleagues on City Council to ensure that Philadelphia residents can feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods."