News

Couple Killed After Surprising Rape Suspect

Thursday, August 31, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - August 31, 2006 (WPVI) -- The murder count is on the rise again in Philadelphia. During an eight hour time period, six people were shot and three of the victims were killed.

The deadliest incident happened when bullets flew in the 900 block of West Olney.

A couple was gunned down after showing up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Both are dead.

Police say an 18-year-old woman was waiting for a bus. She felt a suspicious presence and crossed the street. Investigators say 24-year-old Kevin White followed her, then pulled her into a nearby driveway and started raping her at gunpoint. A few minutes later, the couple living there pulled up after a night out, not knowing what was going on. Investigators say White told the victim to pretend she was his girlfriend, but she managed to get free.

Chief inspector Joe Fox said "She began screaming that the suspect raped her and threatened to kill her, and with that she and the couple started to run. The suspect opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun."

All three tried to hide in high grass nearby. Investigators say White walked right up to them and shot all three. The couple, a 29-year-old woman and 48-year-old man were killed. The 18-year-old rape victim was shot twice, but survived. After responding to a call about gunshots, two police officers tackled White nearby and after a struggle recovered an automatic weapon in his pants. Chief Inspector Joe Fox commended the two men, but reiterated his frustration with repeat offenders who never seemed to stay locked up.

Shortly after 3:00 Thursday morning, another man was shot and killed. This shooting happened at 31st and Nevada, where a man in his late 20s was hit multiple times in the chest. He was an Iraq war veteran with deep roots in his community. Police are looking for a suspect.

Two other teenaged girls were also shot Wednesday night. They were both hit in their legs at 20th and Mifflin Streets. Police say bullets were flying on the block, though they haven't identified the gunmen or their intended targets. The girls are believed to be innocent bystanders.

Both were taken to Children's Hospital, where they were treated. One was released. The other is in stable condition .

Another man was shot and wounded near 27th and Dickinson in South Philadelphia. He was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,where he's in stable condition.

So far, Philadelphia has had 261 homicide victims this year.

Get more News »