Police say the man murdered Monday in Olney with his girlfriend had testified recently about a homicide that took place two years ago.But Philadelphia Police Captain James Clark said investigators do not yet know if 21-year-old Rodney Ramseur was targeted because of that testimony.Ramseur and Latia Jones, also 21, were shot to death Monday night on the porch of the home at 268 Sparks Street in the city’s Olney neighborhood.
It happened at 8:25 p.m.
Police say Ramseur and Jones had just come out of the home and were talking when a gunman wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants ran up onto the porch.
He opened fire, striking both Ramseur and Jones several times in the head and chest before fleeing south on foot.
Police say they believe Ramseur was the intended target and that Jones was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ramseur and Jones were boyfriend and girlfriend.
At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Clark acknowledged that Ramseur had testified in a recent murder case. Earlier, Ramseur’s family told Action News that the 21-year-old had provided a written statement about the case.
Clark also said that Ramseur had a criminal record and was known to police.
He said investigators are trying to determine if he was targeted because of prior criminal activity or because of the recent testimony he provided.
Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the gunman. Anyone with information is asked to call Philadelphia Police at 215-686-3334 or -3335.
