PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police have released surveillance video asking for the public's help finding two suspects and a person of interest in an assault-turned-homicide that happened back on Feb. 25 outside a bar in Frankford.
Franklin Cariaco, 40, was out with a friend for a couple beers the night he was beaten by a group of people outside La Rosa Linda Bar and Restaurant on Torresdale Avenue, according to his son. Cariaco died of his injuries in the hospital on May 25.
The first suspect is described as a man in his 30s, heavy set with a beard. He wears a gray zip-up and sweatpants in the video and is seen punching Cariaco at least twice.
The second suspect is a woman between 25 and 30 years old with a thin build and braided hair. She wears an unzipped red jacket in the video and kicks Cariaco at least once as he lay on the ground. She left the scene in what police called an older model Honda Pilot.
Suspect No. 1Philadelphia Police Department
Suspect No. 2Philadelphia Police Department
Police estimated the person of interest to be a man approximately 30 years old. He was seen wearing a jacket with the word "Agent" across the back.
"Everything happened so fast. The only witness, who was his friend, said when he got out of the bathroom, there were already a lot of people hitting my dad," said Cariaco's son.
"It was really traumatic … too traumatic because we weren't sure if my dad was going to be able to do anything if he was paralyzed."
Police say Suspect No. 2 left the scene in a Honda Pilot.Philadelphia Police Department
There is a $20,000 reward for any tip leading to an arrest in the case.
"He was an exceptional person, an extremely happy person. Everyone who knew him said the same thing. He was very kind and always helped others."
Police advise against approaching the person of interest or either of the two suspects. Instead, call 911 immediately, submit a tip via phone or text at 215-686-TIPS (8477), or use this form to submit a tip anonymously. All tips are confidential.
