John Albert Laylo, a 35-year-old Filipino man, was enjoying a well-deserved vacation in the United States with his mother, a trip that tragically ended in his death. In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 18, 2022, Laylo and his mother were passengers in an Uber, making their way to Philadelphia International Airport to catch a flight to their next destination.
They had been visiting a cousin in the city and were only minutes into their journey when the unthinkable happened.
As their Uber sat at a red light near the University of Pennsylvania, at the intersection of 38th and Spruce Streets, a dark-colored vehicle, possibly a black Cadillac or Nissan Maxima, pulled up behind them. Without warning, an occupant of the other vehicle began firing multiple rounds into the rear of the Uber. The assailant’s car then pulled alongside the driver's side of the Uber and fired several more shots. During the barrage of gunfire, John Albert Laylo was struck in the back of the head. His mother sustained minor injuries from the shattered glass.
Laylo was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Sunday, June 19, 2022. The shooting, initially considered a random act of violence, is now believed by investigators to have been a case of mistaken identity. Authorities suspect that the shooter or shooters were targeting another dark-colored Nissan that was in the vicinity at the time of the attack.
The senseless killing of the visiting government attorney prompted an outcry from Philippine officials, who have called for justice. The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the homicide and has been reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspect vehicle and the individual or individuals responsible. A reward has been offered for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation remains ongoing.
