A 13-year-old boy was killed and another teenager was hospitalized after someone opened fire Tuesday night in West Oak Lane, police said.
Authorities identified the murder victim Wednesday morning as Amir Akers. The other boy – a 14-year-old who was shot multiple times – is in stable condition at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, according to law enforcement officials.
Investigators said the shooting happened at around 8:45 p.m. on the 7100 block of N. 19th Street. The boys had been playing basketball, and officers found 15 to 20 spent shell casings at the scene, PPD commanders told reporters at the scene.
No arrests have been reported as of Wednesday, and police said detectives have not determined a motive. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PPD’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or call or text the tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Amir is the second person under the age of 18 killed in a shooting this year in the city, according to the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting’s online dashboard.
Counseling, peer support, and victim advocacy services are available for victims, family members, and others affected by gun violence. Go to metrophiladelphia.com/gun-violence-resources for more information.
