In the early evening of January 7, 2020, Xiaoding Li, a 31-year-old male, was working behind the counter of his family's small corner grocery store in South Philadelphia. It was a routine evening at JD Hoyu Grocery at Ninth and Porter Streets, a place where Li often helped his parents. Suddenly, two men wearing ski masks entered the store. One of the men was armed with a 9mm pistol. In a tragically brief encounter, the gunman fired a single shot, striking Li in the chest.
The two assailants then fled the scene.
Shortly after the shooting, a customer entered the store and discovered Li unresponsive and bleeding behind the counter. Medics were called, and he was rushed to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Despite their efforts, the father of two was pronounced dead at 6:26 p.m. The community was left in shock and mourning, remembering Li as a kind, hardworking, and respectful man. A makeshift memorial of candles, teddy bears, and flowers quickly grew outside the closed store as neighbors gathered to pay their respects.
Investigators initially were unsure about the motive, including whether it was a robbery, as the cash register appeared undisturbed. Police reviewed surveillance footage, but the suspects were difficult to identify as they were dressed in all black and wore ski masks. The investigation later confirmed that the fatal shooting occurred during a robbery.
An arrest was made in connection with the murder. Tyseem Murray, an 18-year-old from Southwest Philadelphia, was taken into custody. He was charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, robbery, and other related offenses in the death of Xiaoding Li. Authorities did not immediately clarify if they believed Murray was the gunman. Murray was also charged in the separate fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy that had occurred a few months prior. He was held without bail.
