In the closing days of a turbulent year, on December 28, 2020, a burst of gunfire shattered the evening calm on the 1200 block of South 51st Street in Philadelphia. When police officers arrived at the scene at 6:38 p.m., they discovered two individuals inside a white Chrysler, both suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims was 21-year-old Frank Smith, a Black male who resided on South Melville Street.
Smith had sustained grievous injuries, with gunshot wounds to his head, left
wrist, and left thigh. He was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and admitted in critical condition. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, Frank Smith succumbed to his injuries in the early morning hours of the following day, Tuesday, December 29, 2020.
The second victim found in the car with Smith was 15-year-old Saabir Mack. He too was transported to the hospital in critical condition and tragically died from his wounds on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. The double homicide left a void in the lives of two families and added to the city's growing count of gun violence victims.
As of late 2020, no arrests had been made in connection with the fatal shootings of Frank Smith and Saabir Mack. The case remains an open and unsolved homicide. Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and contact the Philadelphia Police Department. The motive for the shooting and the identity of any suspect or suspects have not been publicly released, leaving a community to mourn and await justice.
