Philadelphia Police officers from the 12th District responded to the 1000 block of South Ithan Street on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at approximately 10:15 p.m. following reports of a person with a gun. Upon arrival, officers located 43-year-old MD Mahfuzul Haque of 77XX Fayette Street, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Police transported Mr. Haque to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:28pm.
Following an extensive investigation, Homicide investigators identified a 15-year-old male suspect in connection with the fatal shooting. On July 23, 2026, the juvenile was taken into custody on unrelated charges. As the investigation into Mr. Haque’s murder progressed; homicide charges were formally approved.
The suspect, identified as 15-year-old Zakah Johnson, was rearrested while still in custody on his scheduled release day and charged with Murder and related offenses. Johnson has been charged as an adult.