A DoorDash delivery driver was shot in the back of the head and killed Tuesday night in West Philadelphia, police said. Officers found a 42-year-old man on the 1000 block of South Ithan Street shortly after 9:30 p.m. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead around 10 p.m. Investigators said a car was found still running at the scene, and a DoorDash bag was recovered nearby as police opened a homicide investigation.
What investigators say
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said officers found two spent rifle-round shell casings just inches from the victim, suggesting the shooter fired at close range. Small told reporters detectives believe the killing was targeted and that three masked men in dark clothing have been identified as suspects, although images of them were not immediately released. Police also located a bag with food about a block away but said they do not yet know whether it is connected to the shooting.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip through the Philadelphia Police Department website, which accepts photos and video that can help detectives. Investigators urge tipsters to include as much detail as possible, including physical descriptions, addresses, and any surveillance timestamps. Tips in homicide cases may qualify for rewards, and detectives say preserving video and sharing it with police can be critical to the investigation.
City context
This killing follows a similar tragedy in early June, when a pizza delivery driver was shot and killed after dropping off an order in North Philadelphia, a case that drew broad attention and remains under investigation, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Delivery workers have been the victims in a handful of recent targeted attacks around the city, and law enforcement officials say they are reviewing available surveillance and order records to trace who placed the delivery. Neighbors and delivery drivers have responded with concern, and community groups continue to call for more resources to protect workers on the street.
Resources and next steps
Resolve Philly and local victim-support groups maintain resource guides and services for those affected by gun violence, and a local resource list is available online for residents seeking support. Neighbors with camera footage are urged to preserve files and submit them to police through the tip page so detectives can review timestamps and video as the investigation continues.
