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Last week, a mass shooting in Philadelphia claimed the lives of five individuals. However, authorities have now revealed that the first victim, Joseph Wamah Jr., was fatally shot approximately 44 hours before the others. The Philadelphia Police Department, in collaboration with the local medical examiner’s office, determined that Wamah was killed on July 2.
The suspect, Kimbrady Carriker, allegedly opened fire indiscriminately in a neighborhood southwest of Center City on the evening of July 3. In addition to the five fatalities, two boys aged 2 and 13 were injured, and several other individuals were targeted but not struck. Carriker was apprehended and is facing multiple charges, including five counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon without a license, and carrying firearms in public.
The suspect was reportedly wearing a ski mask and a ballistic vest, and he had an unmarked, unregistered ghost gun, multiple ammunition magazines, and a semiautomatic rifle resembling an AR-15. Authorities believe that Carriker may be mentally ill, and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that his office will likely seek expert examinations of the defendant.
Interestingly, Wamah’s status as a victim was not known until after the shooting spree had ended. It remains unclear whether he had any connection to the suspect, as police believe the other victims were randomly targeted on the streets and sidewalks.
The investigation also revealed that police had received a report of shots fired in the area of Wamah’s residence on July 2. However, officers were dispatched to the wrong location, more than 3 miles away. This discrepancy is now part of the ongoing investigation.
District Attorney Krasner acknowledged the grief of Wamah’s family and commended the police for their efforts in uncovering the details surrounding his death. Carriker is scheduled to appear in court on July 24..
