PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Three years ago, a 16-year-old was gunned down in Southwest Philadelphia. Now, four people face charges in connection with his death.
Jaseem Thomas was shot as he was walking near 67th Street and Woodland Avenue on April 27, 2023, around 6:30 p.m. He died just days later in the hospital.
Investigators later learned that four people were inside a car and saw Thomas walking on the sidewalk before Ibyn Freeman got out and opened fire.
Prosecutors said all four, including Ibyn’s brother Ismail Freeman, Atum El and Kamal Burke, were associated with the Close Range Gang and were minors at the time of the shooting. They said the group saw Thomas and decided to rob him, but wouldn’t go into more detail because it was part of a grand jury investigation.
Ibyn and Ismail were arrested last week; Ibyn and El have been charged with murder and will be held without bail.
Ismail and Burke face robbery and related offenses.
Ibyn, Burke and El all have criminal records, all involving guns.
Prosecutor Adam Farraye with the Gun Violence Task Force said Thomas’ family donated his organs to Gift of Life.
“His mother had rightfully stated that her son had saved five people with his donation,” Farraye said.
Officials say they are affiliated with the Close Range Gang
Officials say they are affiliated with the Close Range Gang
