Crime
Fairmount Park mass shooting victims identified as Mikhail Bowers and Amya Devlin
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia police have identified the two individuals killed during a mass shooting late Monday night at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park.
The victims have been named as Amya Devlin, 23, and Mikhail Bowers, 21. The shooting also left nine others injured, all between the ages of 15 and 28, in what authorities describe as a chaotic and violent scene.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Lemon Hill Drive, near the historic Lemon Hill mansion.
According to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, all nine injured victims were transported to area hospitals and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
The hospitals involved in the response include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Temple University Hospital, and Lankenau Medical Center.
In addition to the shooting victims, one other individual was struck by a vehicle during the ensuing panic and also transported for medical care, police said.
Commissioner Bethel stated the shooting took place as multiple groups of people had gathered in the park, with some beginning to pack up for the night.
The motive remains unclear, and authorities have not yet determined whether the gunfire was exchanged between the groups or initiated by one party.
During a press briefing, Mayor Cherelle Parker revealed that investigators recovered three different types of shell casings at the scene, indicating the presence of at least three shooters.
“I was unfortunately informed that because they found three different types of casings, we know that there were three shooters thus far. So it is not one,” said Mayor Parker.
No arrests have been made, and no firearms have been recovered at this time.
The Philadelphia Police Crime Scene Unit is continuing to analyze evidence, including the shell casings, to determine the number of weapons used and their caliber.
Commissioner Bethel also noted that one of the weapons involved is believed to have been modified with a “switch” device, converting it from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Such a modification, he said, could enable the firearm to discharge up to 17 rounds in less than two seconds.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Philadelphia Police Department as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
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.