Members of the Homicide Fugitive Squad successfully apprehended Zaki Harrell at a residence on the 2200 block of Beechwood Street. Harrell was taken into custody without incident and faces a litany of charges, including Murder, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Conspiracy, and various firearms violations (VUFA).
The charges stem from a violent incident that unfolded at approximately 12:57 a.m. on the 1500 block of South Etting Street. Responding officers from the 17th District arrived to find a chaotic scene with twelve individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite medical intervention, three young men lost their lives: 23-year-old Zahir Wylie, 19-year-old Jason Reese, and 24-year-old Azir Harris. The victims were pronounced dead shortly after the shooting at local hospitals.
In addition to the three fatalities, nine other victims, ranging in age from 15 to 24, sustained various injuries during the gunfire. While most victims were treated for wounds to their limbs and extremities, one 19-year-old male remains in critical condition after sustaining two gunshot wounds to the head.
The Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. Zaki Harrell is currently being held as he awaits further legal proceedings, facing additional charges of Causing or Risking a Catastrophe, Riot, Possession of an Instrument of Crime (PIC), and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP).
Updates will be provided as they become available.