On the night of June 16, 1993, Philadelphia Police Officer Robert S. Hayes, a 45-year-old male, was on patrol with his partner, John Marynowitz, in the West Oak Lane neighborhood. What began as a seemingly routine traffic stop of a vehicle with a broken taillight at the intersection of Limekiln Pike and Andrews Avenue would tragically escalate, ending the life of a dedicated officer and forever altering the life of another.
As the officers approached the vehicle, they observed narcotics
inside. Officer Hayes instructed the passenger, 19-year-old Borgela Philistin, to show his hands and exit the car. Philistin, an immigrant from Haiti, responded by shoving the car door open, knocking Hayes off balance. A struggle ensued, and during the confrontation, Philistin managed to wrestle Officer Marynowitz's service weapon away from him. With the officer's own gun, Philistin opened fire, striking both men. Officer Hayes was grievously wounded, shot in the eye and stomach. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following morning, June 17, 1993. His partner, John Marynowitz, was also critically injured, shot in the head and shoulder, but survived the ordeal.
Borgela Philistin fled the scene but was apprehended by other officers shortly after the shooting and was identified by a witness. His actions left a profound impact on the Philadelphia Police Department and the community. Officer Hayes, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and a seven-year veteran of the police force, was survived by his wife and three sons. In the aftermath of the tragic event, a playground at 9800 Roosevelt Blvd. was named in his memory, a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.
The legal process that followed brought a measure of justice for the heinous crime. In February 1995, Borgela Philistin was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Officer Robert Hayes and aggravated assault for the shooting of Officer John Marynowitz. He was subsequently sentenced to death for his crimes. Years later, in March 2013, the governor of Pennsylvania signed an execution warrant for Philistin.
