Gunfire shattered a Tuesday night pickup basketball game in Philadelphia's West Oak Lane neighborhood, leaving a 13-year-old boy dead and a 14-year-old wounded, according to police. Officers were called around 8:45 p.m. to the 7100 block of North 19th Street, where they found both teens shot in a driveway where they had been playing. The 13-year-old was rushed to Albert Einstein Medical Center and was later pronounced dead.
Police account
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters the shooting followed an altercation while the teens were playing basketball in the driveway. The 13-year-old was shot multiple times in the back and the 14-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to his legs. Officers recovered at least 19 spent shell casings at the scene.
The 13-year-old was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center and pronounced dead at about 9:18 p.m., according to FOX 29 Philadelphia.
Neighborhood context
The killing adds to a string of recent gunfire in West Oak Lane this spring. In March, a March shooting on the 7100 block of Rodney Street left a 16-year-old wounded. Residents and local leaders have said the repeated violence is weighing on the community and putting young people at risk.
The neighborhood has seen similar tragedies in recent years, including the 2022 fatal shooting of a 13-year-old in West Oak Lane, which was covered by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Police response and how to help
Police have not released the victims' identities or any information about a suspect or possible motive, and the investigation remains active, FOX 29 Philadelphia reported.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or video to contact detectives and submit tips. Members of the public can call or text 215-686-TIPS (8477) or use the department's online form. The City of Philadelphia notes that tips can be submitted by phone, email ([email protected]) or the police tip form and that rewards are available for certain cases, per the City of Philadelphia.
