Crime
12-year-old shot and killed while filming music video in West Oak Lane home
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A tragic incident unfolded in Northwest Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon, May 11, when a 12-year-old boy was fatally shot while filming a music video, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Authorities responded around 12:30 p.m. to reports of a person with a gun in the 1500 block of East Pastorius Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male inside a residence suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:51 p.m.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was reportedly filming a music video with two other juveniles—a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old—at the time of the shooting.
Investigators say it remains unclear which teen discharged the firearm or whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
Authorities have confirmed that the music video being filmed at the time of the incident was captured on video and is considered a key piece of evidence in the investigation.
However, police say a search warrant is required before the footage can be officially reviewed.
“We are in possession of that video,” said Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace. “But we must follow proper legal procedures to access and review the content.”
In addition to the firearm used in the shooting, police recovered several other items from the scene, including a BB gun.
Investigators are working to determine how the live firearm came to be present in the home and whether it was legally owned or secured.
Family members who were inside the residence at the time of the incident are being interviewed by detectives.
Police emphasized that the investigation is active and ongoing.
Neighbors expressed deep shock and sorrow, particularly given the young age of the victim and the timing of the tragedy just before Mother’s Day.
“The videos today are just so violent,” said neighbor Deborah Hankins. “These kids—I don’t understand. I was raised to know you don’t play with guns.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.