A quiet North Philadelphia block turned into a crime scene early Sunday when 45-year-old Keisha Farlow was killed in a savage alleyway assault, police said. Investigators say Farlow, a mother of four, was attacked around 2 a.m. in an alley off North 24th Street, struck with a brick and stomped before the assailants ran off with her purse. The bag was later found discarded a few blocks away, emptied out. Farlow leaves behind four children, including an 11-month-old baby.
Surveillance Shows Relentless Alley Assault
According to police, surveillance video captured a man throwing Farlow to the ground, then repeatedly hitting her with a brick and stomping on her face and chest. Action News reportedly chose not to air the most graphic parts of the clip. Investigators told 6abc they are searching for the man seen in the footage along with another person they believe was involved in the attack. Authorities said Farlow’s purse, which was taken during the assault, was recovered a short distance away with its contents missing.
Neighbors Stunned And Demanding Answers
On a block where neighbors say people usually keep to themselves and look out for one another, the killing has left residents rattled and angry. Several neighbors described Farlow as quiet and friendly, someone who did not bother anyone.
"We are human beings at the end of the day... there are demons out here," one neighbor told 6abc. Another neighbor said Farlow "didn't cause no problems with nobody," and said they hope whoever is responsible is quickly brought to justice.
Police Seek Tips As Homicide Probe Continues
The Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit says the investigation is active, with detectives reviewing video from the area and continuing door-to-door canvassing for witnesses. Officials are urging anyone who might have seen or heard something to come forward, even if the detail seems small.
Tipsters can contact the department’s anonymous line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit information online. Instructions on how to share information anonymously are available through the Philadelphia Police Department.
Prosecutors Monitoring Case, Charges To Follow Arrests
As of now, police have not announced any arrests. Investigators say the Homicide Unit is coordinating with prosecutors on potential next steps as they work to identify suspects.
The District Attorney’s Office publishes a public Philadelphia District Attorney's Office data snapshot that tracks homicide and non-fatal shooting incidents, arrests, charges and case outcomes. The office notes that it typically files charges in cases that police bring forward when the evidence supports prosecution, and that prosecutors will determine specific charges if and when suspects are arrested in Farlow’s killing.
Deadly Attack Hits City Amid Drop In Killings
Farlow’s death lands in a year when the city is actually seeing fewer homicides overall, even as some neighborhoods still bear the brunt of violence. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that as of June 7, Philadelphia had recorded its 59th homicide of 2026, nearly a 40 percent decrease from the same date last year. Still, investigators and neighbors say a single brutal killing like this one sends shock waves far beyond a single alley in North Philadelphia.
For Farlow’s family and neighbors, the statistics offer little comfort. A mother is gone, four children are without her, and residents say the block will not feel the same until someone is held accountable. Anyone with information is urged to call 215-686-TIPS. Detectives say the case remains very much active, and they are pressing for witnesses and residents to help them fill in the gaps about what happened in that alley Sunday morning.
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