PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — So far in 2021, the number of kids shot and killed in Philadelphia is already three times greater than this same time in 2020, which was a record-breaking year for gun violence.
Philadelphia police call it a “disturbing trend,” as it appears kids are also the ones arrested for the killings.
On Tuesday, 15-year-old artist and track star Antonio Walker Jr. was killed. He was shot through the chest and arm on Pentridge Street.
“He was out playing basketball with his cousin,” said Homicide Capt. Jason Smith. After the gunshots, “you could hear laughing coming from the car. … At this time, we have no reason to believe these two kids were actually targeted. One is 15, the other one is 14. Like, why? Why would you target them?”
Fifteen-year-old Embaba Mengesteabe was shot in the head last week. She was killed while sitting in a car with her 18-year-old brother, who was also gunned down. Police believe he was the intended target.
An 18-year-old and a 15-year-old are expected to be charged with the girl’s murder.
In another incident, a 16-year-old — who was shot in November, also while playing basketball — died this week due to complications from his injuries.
“It is a disturbing trend we are seeing over and over again in Philadelphia,” said Smith. “It’s horrible.”
He said teen-on-teen shootings and killings seem to be motivated by social media posts.
“This and the other one’s rap video that they posted, or this one repped from this neighborhood, you know, and then saying he’s beefing with these individuals from this neighborhood — it’s petty nonsense, it really is,” he said.
Smith said there are a number of other factors: “The availability of firearms. Kids are out of school; not a whole lot to do. We see these Instagram wars, which are nonsensical to me, but they seem to take this stuff very seriously.”
So far this year, 10% of the homicides that police are investigating involve children and teens. The police commissioner released a statement saying she’s saddened and outraged at the increased number of teen killings.
“I implore the community to be proactive and remain vigilant,” said Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. “The duty to protect these children belongs to all of us.”