Father, SEPTA worker among 3 killed in 3 separate Philly shootings

Police in Philadelphia are investigating after separate shootings across the city on Sunday night left three people dead.

According to police, the first deadly shooting on Sunday evening happened at about 10:30 p.m. in the city's Kensington neighborhood, when officers were dispatched to the area of the 4900 block of Rorer Street for a report of a person with a weapon.

At the scene, officials said, first responders found a 34-year-old man, later identified as Devan Harris, inside a gray Kia Sportage, after he had been shot once in the right side of his head.

Harris was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced shortly after he arrived.

According to Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace, investigators believe the shooting happened when two gunmen opened fire on a group of individuals who were on the other side of the street.

Pace said that officers found at least two groupings of shell casings at the scene and they believe members of the targeted group returned fire at the gunmen at some point during this incident.

"We have multiple shell casings from multiple weapons at that location that our investigators are combing through at this time," he told NBC10.

No arrests have been made in the shooting and police have not yet determined a motive.

NBC10 obtained home security video of the incident showing a white car moving in reverse as shots were fired as well as two people fleeing the scene following the shooting.

A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, also spoke to NBC10 about the shooting.

"They came back to enjoy themselves with their families and their old neighbors," the neighbor said. "One gentleman stuck around a little later after he sent his family home only to be murdered at the corner of the block. I think the violence was targeted toward someone else and he was caught in the crossfire."

Chris Sanders, a friend of Harris, described him as a father and SEPTA employee.

"He was a provider for his family. A good dude, man," Sanders said. “Played basketball. One of the best in this neighborhood. We were just talking trash the other day. He was probably one of the best in this neighborhood. Loved working out. Loved lifting weights. We all loved competition with each other. Just that brotherhood.”

As he mourns his friend, Sanders told NBC10 their bond can never be broken.

"He’s always going to be our brother," Sanders said. "Always. Forever. It’s just sad that nonsense like this always happens to innocent people.”

On Tuesday, May 28, SEPTA released a statement on Harris' death.

"SEPTA is mourning the tragic loss of Devan Harris, a dedicated veteran bus operator who was killed in a shooting on the 4900 block of Rorer Street in Philadelphia on Sunday night. Mr. Harris worked out of SEPTA’s Victory District in Upper Darby. He was off duty when the incident occurred," a SEPTA spokesperson wrote. "SEPTA’s thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Harris’ family and friends at this difficult time. SEPTA is providing counseling services for Mr. Harris’ co-workers at the Victory District."

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Strawberry Mansion slaying

Following the Rorer Street shooting, less than an hour later, at about 10:57 p.m., police responded to a report of gunshots fired in the area of the 2500 block of Stanley Street as well as along the nearby block of 3000 Cumberland Street.

According to Pace, responding officers found no victim, but did locate at least 20 shell casings from a 9mm firearm.

However, Pace said, a short time later, a 23-year-old man who had been shot in the neck and chest arrived at a nearby hospital. He was pronounced at about 11:17 p.m., officials said. Police later identified the victim as Anthony Turner of Philadelphia.

Pace said that the police are still seeking more information on this incident and are looking for surveilance cameras in the area to determine how this shooting may have unfolded.

No arrests have yet been made in this incident. An investigation is ongoing.

Deadly North Philly shooting

Finally, at about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday, officials responded to a shooting reported along the 2900 block of W. Wishart Street in North Philadelphia.

In this incident, Pace said officers discovered a woman, later identified as 55-year-old Tonya Shelton of Philadelphia, who had been shot in the head. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced at about 11:21 p.m., according to Pace.

Pace said that officers only found one shell casing at the scene and Shelton was killed near the entranceway to her home.

"What we know preliminarily is that it appears the shooter was on foot on Wishart Street and at close range," Pace said.

He said officials are looking for surveillance footage in this shooting and the motive for this shooting is still unknown.

Neighbors told NBC10 Shelton was a lifelong resident of the block who was involved in a heated argument with a person who pulled out a gun.

“Like she wasn’t that type of person like she was cool, she was collective, you could talk to her about anything," one neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told NBC10. "You might argue with her from time to time because that’s how she is, she’s an aggressive talker. But once you get to know her, you know she’s not that type of person.”

If you have information on any of the three shootings, please call Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

As of Monday, there were 101 reported homicides in Philadelphia, down 39 percent from the same time last year, according to police data.