40-Year-Old Accused Faces Murder Charges After Mass Shooting in Philadelphia Kills Five

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Kimbrady Carriker, a 40-year-old man, is facing murder charges following a mass shooting in southwest Philadelphia. He allegedly started by killing a man inside a house, then shot four more people on the streets before surrendering to law enforcement. He was arraigned on Wednesday, facing five counts of murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and unlicensed possession of weapons, as well as public firearms carrying, according to prosecutors.

In the tragic incident, which took place on Monday night, a toddler and a 13-year-old were injured by gunfire. Additionally, another toddler and a woman were wounded by flying glass. This surge of violence in the working-class neighborhood of Kingsessing marked the most severe incident nationwide during the July Fourth holiday.

Responding officers arrived at the scene and immediately attended to gunshot victims when they heard more gunfire. Some officers prioritized transporting victims to hospitals, while others chased after the shooter.

Witness statements and video footage suggested that the suspect was moving between various locations, wearing a ski mask and body armor, and armed with an AR-15-style rifle, according to Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom, the homicide unit commander. The suspect seemingly opened fire indiscriminately at both pedestrians and vehicles, which included a mother driving her twin toddlers. One toddler suffered leg injuries, while the other was hit in the eyes by shattered glass.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw described the suspect as an “armed and armored individual” shooting “seemingly at random.” Once cornered in an alley, the suspect surrendered and was found in possession of not only a rifle but also a pistol, extra magazines, a police scanner, and a bulletproof vest.

On Tuesday afternoon, Philadelphia police identified the victims as Lashyd Merritt, 20, Dymir Stanton, 29, Ralph Moralis, 59, Daujan Brown, 15, and Joseph Wamah Jr., 31. Wamah, who was found at a home with multiple bullet wounds, was believed to be the first victim, according to Inspector Ransom.

Those injured in the shooting included a 2-year-old boy hit four times in the legs, a 13-year-old boy shot twice in the legs, another 2-year-old boy, and a 33-year-old woman, all of whom were hurt by shattered glass. They are currently in stable condition.

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is expected to represent Carriker, but the office has yet to comment on the charges.

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• Philadelphia Mass Shooting: Suspect and Charges
• Philadelphia’s Response to Mass Shooting
• Details about the victims
• Philadelphia Crime Statistics
• The Defender Association of Philadelphia