On the evening of March 3, 2022, James Watson, a 69-year-old male, visited a Citizens Bank branch on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia to withdraw $400. He was getting the money for his granddaughter who was unable to do so herself due to a broken foot. While inside the bank's vestibule, Watson was confronted by two individuals in what police believe was an attempted robbery.
During the confrontation, a struggle ensued, and one of the assailants shot Watson.
The bullet grazed his chest and penetrated his abdomen. Arriving officers found him on the floor of the vestibule, and he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8:00 p.m. The suspects fled without the $400 Watson had just withdrawn, which was later found on his person.
Two suspects were identified in connection with the fatal shooting. Corey X. Thompson, of Chichester Township, was arrested in March 2022 and charged with murder, firearms violations, and related offenses. The second suspect, Kyree Dennis, remained at large for over a year. In June 2023, Dennis, then 24, was apprehended after a brief foot chase. He was subsequently charged with murder, conspiracy, and other related crimes.
