Popular Businessman Gunned Down

WEST OAK LANE - March 28, 2007 (WPVI) -- Memorials are springing up in West Oak Lane after a popular barber shop owner was gunned down, leaving behind 2 children, 8 siblings and a community that is working to find his killer.

The victim, 32-year-old Michael White, was shot in the head and chest along the 1800 block of W. 67th Avenue. It happened around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

White's death is the 96th homicide in the city of Philadelphia in 2007.

White's barbershop at the corner of 67th and Ogontz has been a fixture in the neighborhood for 10 years. People in the neighborhood called him "Mike Nice."

"Right now, this is the time he would cut me every morning," said Shawn White, Mike's brother. "But I can't get the cut now."

As the news spread, people came to the shop from all over the city. "Professional people just running out of their jobs to come down here."

How and why White was shot remains a mystery. People have told police their heard a loud argument and then gunshots. After that a burgundy minivan sped away. Beyond that, police have no clues.

White leaves behind his long-time girlfriend and their 2 young sons, 3 sisters and 5 brothers. Several witnesses have come forward and talked to police about what they know.

Monday night, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson told reporters, "The Commissioner and all the deputies and every chief, every inspector, every captain will be working the streets of Philadelphia in uniform." The Commissioner says his latest plan should put an additional 300 uniformed officers on the streets. And he says its time for politicians, the courts, community leaders and individuals to step forward in trying to combat the violence.

(Copyright 2007 by 6abc and Action News. All rights reserved.)

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