Ayyub Leach, an 11-year-old Black/African American male from Philadelphia, died on November 11, 2019, after a gunshot struck him in the chest inside a home on the 5700 block of Haddington Lane in West Philadelphia. The shooting happened just before noon, in the dining room of the residence, at a time when police said Ayyub and his older sibling, 19-year-old Nikeem Leach, appeared to be the only people inside.
After the gunfire, Nikeem Leach called 911 and ran to nearby homes seeking
help. Neighbors were alerted as he banged on doors, and responding officers arrived quickly. Police found Ayyub wounded in the dining room, placed him in a patrol car, and rushed him to Lankenau Medical Center. He was reported in critical condition after the shooting and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police described Nikeem as the person responsible for the shooting, and he reportedly told investigators that it was accidental. Authorities recovered a semiautomatic handgun, though early reporting said police had not yet determined who owned the weapon. Officials said Nikeem left the scene after seeking help but was picked up by officers a short time later a few blocks away and arrested without incident.
Nikeem Leach was charged in connection with Ayyub’s death. Reported charges included involuntary manslaughter and firearms offenses, including carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a firearm on the street. His bail was reported as $25,000, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for November 27, 2019. Available online reporting reviewed for the case did not provide a confirmed final trial result, conviction, or sentencing outcome for the homicide-related charges.
