Megan Doto, a 26-year-old woman from Philadelphia, PA, tragically lost her life on September 14, 2014. She was eight months pregnant at the time and was struck by a stray bullet while sitting outside her home on Adams Avenue. The shooting occurred when a gunman fired multiple rounds at an unknown target, and Megan was unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time. Despite emergency medical efforts, Megan was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.
Doctors performed an emergency C-section, but her baby, who would have been named Nicoletta Rose, did not survive.
The investigation into Megan's death revealed that she was not the intended target of the shooting. Philadelphia police Captain Stephen Murianka stated that Megan was watching neighborhood children when she was hit by a bullet that traveled down the block. The search for the shooter continued, with police interviewing neighbors and conducting a thorough investigation. However, no arrests were made immediately following the incident.
In July 2015, nearly a year after Megan's death, Philadelphia police identified Devon Guisherd as the suspect wanted in connection with the shooting. Guisherd had been on the run since the incident, but he was eventually located and shot by police during an attempted arrest. Guisherd's family claimed he was not responsible for the shooting, but police believed he was the one who fired the shots that killed Megan.
Megan's family expressed relief and gratitude to the police for their persistence in tracking down her suspected killer. Maryann Doto, Megan's mother, and Stephanie Doto, Megan's sister, thanked the Philadelphia Police Department for never giving up on their daughter and niece. They hoped that Megan and her baby could finally rest in peace knowing that the suspected killer would never harm anyone else.
Megan Doto's death was a tragic and senseless loss, and her family continues to remember her as a fun-loving, energetic woman who will be greatly missed. The case brought attention to the issue of gun violence in Philadelphia and the importance of community safety and support.
