PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Authorities have charged a man they say shot and killed a woman in Center City over the weekend.
Investigators say it started with a fight inside the 7-Eleven at 12th and Chestnut streets just before 6 p.m. Friday. A couple was arguing when another woman who didn’t know the pair intervened.
“A fight or scuffle, a physical altercation outside of the 7-Eleven on the sidewalk,” said Assistant District Attorney Jeff Hojnowski with the Homicide Unit.
Hojnowski said the suspect, identified Monday as John Kelly, had a screwdriver and the victim had a gun. During a tussle, the two switched weapons. Cellphone video captured what happened next.
“At some point, he is able to disarm her from the firearm. He gets up, and he is kind of standing up to her right hand side, as she is attempting to get up, you hear another shot, you don’t see a muzzle flash or anything, but you hear another shot, and she falls to the ground,” Hojnowski explained.
The victim, identified as 33-year-old Lauren Jardine, was taken to a hospital for treatment, where she died. A SEPTA officer arrested Kelly about a block away from the store. He is charged with murder, tampering with evidence and related gun charges.
Hojnowski said neither Kelly nor Jardine was licensed to carry a firearm.
Jardine was highlighted last year by the mayor’s office for completing an adult education program. In a press release, she revealed her education was derailed by “crises,” including incarceration, and spoke of wanting to start her own business.
Kelly is charged with murder, tampering with evidence and gun offenses.