A community in West Oak Lane is in shock after a double murder-suicide that they witnessed happen just outside their homes. A man allegedly shot his neighbors before shooting himself. NBC10’s Aaron Baskerville spoke to a witness who recounted the incident in tears.
Three people are dead after a double murder-suicide in West Oak Lane Wednesday afternoon, according to the police
The shooting happened just after 4 p.m. when police were called to the 7300 block of E. Walnut Lane for several reports of gunshots and multiple people shot, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
When police arrived, they found 77-year-old Clinton Quarles suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and body, lying on the front steps of a home.
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A second man -- later identified as 66-year-old Alvinn Berry -- was also lying a few feet from the first victim on the steps and was also suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, Small said.
A woman -- later identified as 76-year-old Linda Beeks -- was also found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said.
Officials held a press conference on the deadly shooting. You can watch that below.
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Small said there were multiple witnesses who were transported to the police headquarters to give statements.
Per those witnesses, Quarles and Beeks lived in the home and they were returning from getting groceries and had just parked their car and were heading into the house when the shooting occurred.
They were met by Berry who shot them both and then shot himself, Small said per witness statements the police received.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
One of those witnesses, Daeshanae Diego, saw the entire thing unfold and recounted what happened with tears running down her face.
"As I ran to the front, he came back out the house and shot the lady on the ground again, and then he shot the guy three times," Diego said.
Home surveillance video shows some neighbors rushing to help the victims before investigators arrived on scene.
Diego said she tried saving Beeks, rushing over to the house. She saw her still breathing at that moment.
“I was trying to keep her awake, putting pressure on the wound. Just trying to do anything," Diego said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
Neighbors told police there have been ongoing disputes between the two victims and Berry.
Small said several bags of groceries were also found at the scene. Quarles and Beeks both lived in the home together, but police were not certain of their relationship.
Police do not know if Berry was provoked at the time of the shooting.
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as information becomes available.
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