Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Gunfire

The Philadelphia murder rate is out of control. It currently stands at 61- an average of one per day. Many news reports are forced to follow the same theme - no suspects, no witnesses (that are willing to come forward) and a community that demands change.

Philadelphia has about 1.5 million residents. Its murder rate was only at 49 at this time last year.

On Wednesday, February 28th, Police were left with no other options but to shoot a man in the abdomen after he reached for something in his waistband. The "victim", who's listed in critical but stable condition, had refused to exit his vehicle or show his hands, despite being told to do so by officers.

That same night, police found two co-workers shot to death in a vehicle. The double-murder occurred in the Mantua section of the city and the motive seems to be robbery since both victims were found without their wallets. Dwayne Bell, 41, was found in the front seat, while Cotenita Hanchard, 64, was found in the back seat.

The day prior, police had to deal with a man in his 20's who was sprayed with bullets on the 4900 block of Master Street. So far- no motive, no suspects.

On Sunday, February 25th, two men shot each other in the leg after an argument. The shooting occurred just after 2:30am while leaving a CVS.

Alas, none of these can measure up to the recent Soprano's style quadruple murder at the Philadelphia Navy Yard earlier this month. Vincent J. Dortch, suspicious that some money he'd invested was actually being cheated out of him, bought a couple of handgun in Delaware on January 20th. After meeting with his key investors, Dortch opened fire. Fortunately he took himself out as well after a brief confrontation with police.

Needless to say, but the Philadelphia police department is really feeling the heat- as if it's there fault so many dumb people are discharging their weapons for dumb reasons.

What's more disturbing is the comparative rates to other major US cities where the rates are declining.

New York City, having 8 million residents, are enjoying a 43% drop from 90 victims last year at this time to only 49.

Philly's more fun when you survive the night

Credit: Anthony Caroto

Copyright: Anthony Caroto