PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Nearly two years after a bartender was abducted in front of his Northeast Philadelphia home, a man has been federally indicted on kidnapping and conspiracy charges.
Wey Um was walking home from work on March 31, 2023, when authorities say two masked gunmen jumped out of a Ford Explorer and kidnapped the 48-year-old outside his home along East Godfrey Avenue and Summerdale Avenue near the Houseman playground.
In an unsealed indictment, authorities say Tyheem Tyler and his “co-conspirators” then drove Um near the Delaware River, but stop short of saying what happened to him.
Shortly after Um went missing, police said they were able to gather substantial video, along with clothing found near the Delaware River they tested for Um’s DNA.
They have not said whether or not they recovered Um’s body, however, Tyler has been charged with kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy and aiding and abetting. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In court documents, authorities say Tyler had robbed Um at gunpoint earlier that month.
Authorities have not said whether or not Um’s body was recovered. An investigation is ongoing.