Jermaine Simmons, a 39-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on February 10, 2019, in Philadelphia, PA. He was sitting inside his vehicle in front of his house on the 7500 block of Forrest Avenue when a black-colored vehicle pulled alongside him. Two shooters, from the front and rear seats of the vehicle, opened fire on Jermaine, hitting him with multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to Albert Einstein Medical Center, Jermaine succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Jermaine Simmons' murder led to the arrest of Steven Williams, a 25-year-old man, on June 10, 2020. Williams was charged with murder and related offenses. He was identified as a "contract killer" who allegedly committed multiple murders, including Jermaine's, for financial gain. Williams was already in custody for unrelated crimes but was brought back to Philadelphia to face the new charges. The case against Williams is still pending trial.
In December 2024, Steven Williams pleaded guilty to his role in four murders, including that of Jermaine Simmons. He was charged with third-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force prosecuted the cases, and Williams is set to be sentenced on March 5, 2025.
The tragic death of Jermaine Simmons and the subsequent investigation highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence and contract killings in Philadelphia. The efforts of the Philadelphia Police Department and the Attorney General's Office in solving this case demonstrate the importance of addressing and prosecuting such violent crimes to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
