PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of a teenager after Philadelphia police say he was trying to help a woman in a domestic violence situation.
Philadelphia police say on Tuesday evening, a woman called her family for help, saying her boyfriend, Kione Gary, had choked her. The situation escalated quickly, according to Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom with the Homicide Unit.
“The girlfriend called her mother and sisters who arrived shortly thereafter with the male who is deceased and another male who confronted Mr. Gary,” he said.
According to police, based on a witness statement and the evidence at the scene, shortly after Deloach entered the residence, Gary shot 18-year-old Elijah Deloach in the chest before fleeing out a 4th-floor balcony window.
The teen later died at the hospital.
Ransom says there is no evidence to Gary’s claim to investigators that either Deloach or the others at the scene made a threatening move toward him.
Gary is now charged with murder, assault, strangulation, and related offenses. He does not have a criminal record, but there is a noted history of domestic incidents between the couple.
In a statement, Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director and President of Women Against Abuse says:
This horrific tragedy shows how deadly domestic violence can be – not just to the victim within the relationship, but to our entire community. The most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is when the victim is preparing to leave or break up. That’s why it’s so important to have a safety plan. To those in abusive relationships, if you feel like you are in danger of being killed, we recommend that you call 911. Otherwise, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline is here for you 24/7 at 1-866-723-3014. Hotline counselors can help you create a safety plan specific to your unique situation.