A Philadelphia hip hop artist was shot and killed in what police believe was an attempted robbery in East Mount Airy last Friday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The shooting happened at Reuben's Marc Bar on Stenton Avenue.
The Inquirer reports that John Wilson, better known as Tommy Hill, a member of the RAM Squad, died two days later.
Police say that on Friday around 1:30 a.m., a 36-year-old man was met in the parking lot outside by the bar's manager after he left the establishment without paying.
Just as the man was about to hand the manager money, authorities say he was approached by three masked gunmen.
Police say that one of the gunmen allegedly aimed his weapon at the man while the other two grabbed him and pushed him to the ground. The manager told police that he backed away as the suspects began rooting through the man's pockets. The manager then heard a gunshot, prompting him to pull out his own gun. The gunmen began firing at the manager who returned fire. A security guard from the bar joined the manager and began to shoot at the gunmen as well, according to investigators.
Police say one of the gunmen then fled down Mount Pleasant Avenue, another through the rear driveway of the parking lot and the third up Stenton Avenue towards Mount Airy Avenue.
Neither the manager nor the security guard were harmed during the shootout. The victim, however, was struck in the chest and lower body. He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Police say he died from his injuries early Sunday morning.
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While police have not officially confirmed the identity of the victim, both the Inquirer and Allhiphop.com report that sources identified the victim as Hill.
Hill grew up in the Richard Allen Homes, a Philadelphia housing project. He was also allegedly affiliated with Philadelphia mob boss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, according the Inquirer.
Allhiphop reports that back in 2004, Hill cooperated with the Philadelphia District Attorney's office in a case against a trio of North Philadelphia drug dealers accused of running a high level drug organization in which they stockpiled weapons of mass destruction.
Police believe robbery was the main motive, although they are investigating the possibilty of retaliation for Hill's testimony.
No arrests have been made. No word yet on any suspects.
