Suspect Charged with Five Counts of Murder in Philadelphia Mass Shooting
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The suspect in a deadly mass shooting in Philadelphia earlier this week was charged Wednesday morning with five counts of murder.
During his first court hearing, 40-year-old Kimbrady Carriker faced a total of 11 offenses, with multiple counts of each. Alongside the murder charges, Carriker was also slapped with charges of attempted murder, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, and carrying a firearm without a valid permit.
Carriker is currently being held without bail for the murders, as Judge Naomi Williams deemed public safety to be a significant concern. The suspect is also facing charges related to the other victims of the shooting, which include a 33-year-old woman and her two-year-old twins, a 13-year-old, and a 10-year-old boy.
The woman and her twins were sitting inside a Jeep Cherokee when they were injured. Authorities reported that Carriker fired multiple shots into the vehicle, causing the woman and one of the twins to suffer cuts from flying glass, while the other twin sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
While the 10-year-old boy, who was in the passenger seat of the Jeep, managed to escape physical injury, authorities argue that his life was endangered during the incident, thus making him a victim as well. A police officer promptly intervened, driving the injured victims to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for treatment.
Another victim, a 13-year-old boy who was walking on the street at the time of the shooting, was shot multiple times in the leg.
Carriker resides in the 5600 block of Belmar Terrace, which is only a few blocks away from the shooting scene. According to sources, the suspect had posted disturbing content on social media leading up to the incident. Carriker, who was wearing a bulletproof vest during the shooting, was also found to be in possession of the guns used in the mass shooting.
This is not Carriker’s first brush with the law, as he previously faced misdemeanor drug and gun charges in 2003, resulting in probation.
Carriker’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 24.
The shooting occurred on the eve of Independence Day near the intersection of 56th Street and Chester Avenue. Witnesses called 911 to report the shooting, prompting the swift response of law enforcement officers.
Surveillance footage obtained by Action News, which is being utilized in the ongoing investigation, appears to show the suspect firing a high-powered rifle towards the Jeep at the intersection. At least 50 shots were fired during the incident, with several vehicles also sustaining damage.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered multiple gunshot victims and swiftly transported them to the hospital. When officers heard more gunfire, they ran towards the sound and eventually cornered Carriker in the rear alley of 1600 Frazier Street.
Carriker was apprehended wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying multiple magazines, along with an AR-style rifle and a handgun, according to investigators.
Authorities have confirmed that there is no known connection between the victims and the shooter, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Neighbors expressed shock upon learning that Carriker, who was known to be friendly and helpful, was accused of such violence.
Amid the tragedy, Mayor Jim Kenney emphasized the urgent need for gun control, stating that the country must examine its conscience and find ways to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms.
As family members of the deceased gathered outside Penn Presbyterian Medical Center to learn of their immense loss, emotions ran high. Investigators initially believed four people were killed, but a fifth victim, Joseph Wamah Jr., was found several hours later. The two children who were shot were taken to a hospital and are now in stable condition.
Police took a second person into custody on Monday night after they allegedly picked up a gun and fired shots at Carriker. However, this individual has since been released, as District Attorney Krasner deemed their actions justified, given the circumstances.
While the investigation into the crime continues, the community is left mourning the loss of loved ones, such as 22-year-old Lashyd Merritt. His mother, Marie, expressed her devastation, describing him as her greatest treasure.
State and local leaders have visited the affected neighborhood to offer condolences and support to grieving families and residents.
The aftermath of this tragic event leaves the community shaken and filled with questions about why such senseless violence occurred on their streets.