Halloween night in Northeast Philadelphia turned tragic this year when a shooting left one man dead and two others injured.
The shooting happened on October 31, 2024, around 9:45 p.m., at the corner of Arrott and Leiper streets in the Frankford neighborhood – an area familiar to residents but now associated with this unsettling event.
Philadelphia police arrived quickly after hearing reports of gunfire and found three people shot.
The victims included a 39-year-old man, a 37-year-old man, and a 40-year-old woman.
Officers acted fast and rushed all three to Temple University Hospital.
Sadly, the 39-year-old man, identified as Gregory Kevin Lee, passed away shortly after 10 p.m.
Unfortunately, he had been fatally shot in the back and leg.
Police believe he may have been the main target, as he was hit multiple times.
The other two victims survived but with injuries.
The 37-year-old man was hit in the chest and leg and is in critical condition. The woman, shot in the leg, is stable.
Both are recovering at Temple University Hospital.
According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, this wasn’t a random act of violence.
Witnesses say that a shooter approached the group of three and fired at least 12 rounds before taking off.
It seems as if the group had simply been hanging out at the corner when the shooter attacked.
Now, police are looking for clues in front of a nearby apartment complex, scanning security footage to determine who is behind this crime.
The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to step forward.
People can contact the Homicide Detectives Unit at 215-686-3334 or leave an anonymous tip by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).
A $20,000 reward is offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction.
Sadly, this tragic shooting isn’t the first to rock this neighborhood.
Just a few years back, in April 2022, a gunman in the same area opened fire, injuring four people, including a SEPTA police officer, before killing himself.
The Frankford community has faced its share of violence, just like many other neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
On a more positive note, the city has been working to reduce gun violence, and there’s been some progress.
So far, Philadelphia has reported 214 homicides this year – the lowest number since 2013, with a nearly 50% drop in killings compared to this time last year.
It’s a step in the right direction, though each incident, like this Halloween shooting, reminds us how much more work is needed to keep people safe.
For anyone affected by this shooting in Philadelphia or struggling with the impact of local violence, support is available.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, and 988lifeline.org has resources for those in need.
Another helpful site, SpeakingOfSuicide.com, offers more mental health support.
As Philadelphia continues its fight against violence, the Frankford neighborhood, known for its strong community, is pulling together, hoping for answers and justice.
Each tip or piece of information shared with the police brings the city a little closer to finding those responsible and making the streets safer for everyone.
For now, residents are doing what they can – staying informed, helping each other, and hoping for peace.
