On the evening of September 18, 2021, a burst of gunfire shattered the ordinary scene inside a North Philadelphia deli, leaving a wake of tragedy. Raaji Crosland, a 23-year-old Black male, was caught in the violence that erupted on the 2600 block of North 12th Street just after 9 p.m. When police arrived at the chaotic scene, they discovered three men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Crosland, who had been shot in the armpit, was rushed to Temple University Hospital along with the other
victims. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The shooting also claimed the life of 30-year-old James Wilkerson and left a 29-year-old man in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the deadly triple shooting was immediately launched by the Philadelphia Police Department. Early reports indicated that a shooter, who was completely covered, had chased at least two of the men into the deli and opened fire. It is believed that one of the men inside the establishment returned fire, and a gun was recovered at the scene.
Despite the ongoing investigation and pleas from law enforcement for public assistance, there have been no arrests made in connection with the murders of Raaji Crosland and James Wilkerson. No suspects have been publicly identified, and the case remains an unsolved homicide. Detectives continue to seek information from the community to bring those responsible for this act of violence to justice.
