First published on Aug. 13 | Last updated on Sept. 19
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with July’s mass shooting in Grays Ferry that left three men dead and 10 other people hurt.
On Friday, Sept. 19, police executed a search warrant at a home in Grays Ferry — about six blocks away from the site of the deadly shooting. There, they arrested 17-year-old Brandon Fischer without incident.
The teen will be charged with murder, attempted murder and related gun offenses.
A party on South Etting Street capped off the July Fourth holiday weekend, and it continued into the early morning hours on the following Monday, July 7. Investigators said “contagious gunfire” occurred. Someone fired a shot, possibly in the air, and then several others, thinking they were being shot at, took their guns out and started shooting.
Thirteen different guns were used, police said. Doorbell camera footage shows many people dropping to the ground and ducking for cover to avoid gunfire.
Three young men were shot and killed: 19-year-old Jason Reese, 23-year-old Zahir Wylie, and 24-year-old Azir Harris. Nine other victims, ranging in age from 15 to 24, were shot, and another was injured at the scene.
Last month, on Aug. 21, another suspect, 35-year-old Jihad Gray, was arrested on murder charges near South 19th Street and Snyder Avenue. Officers served a search and seizure warrant and recovered two handguns and a rifle.
The following day, another suspect, 45-year-old Dieve Jardine, was also arrested on aggravated assault charges.
The first suspect, 22-year-old Terrell Frazier, was arrested on Aug. 6.
Then on Aug. 12, SWAT officers and homicide detectives executed a search warrant at a house on Marston Street, near Dickinson Street, in Grays Ferry, where they arrested 21-year-old Daquan Brown without incident.
They face similar charges for their alleged involvement in the July 7 shooting, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and related gun offenses.
Another suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Christopher Battle. He is still on the loose, according to investigators. Police believe they're looking for at least 15 shooters.
Police are actively investigating and working on additional arrest warrants, but still need the public’s help in identifying them.
Anyone with information is asked to call the homicide division at 215-686-3334 or 215-686-3335, send an email to tips@phillypolice.com, or submit a tip anonymously online. Tips can also be submitted by calling or texting 215-686-8477.