Hakim Rahman

Hakim Rahman was a 36-year-old father of six who was known by loved ones by the nicknames "Hak," "Lil Man," and "Half Pint." Friends and family remembered the Philadelphia native as a loving and funny man who was a protector and provider, a devout Muslim who loved his family and cherished his children more than anything. He was also a grandfather.

In the early morning hours of Monday, August 22, 2016, Rahman was at his home in the Hunting Park neighborhood with his family. The rowhouse, located on the 3700 block of North 7th Street near Erie Avenue, was home to Rahman, his 40-year-old girlfriend, and his six children, who ranged in age from five to 13. Shortly before 1 a.m., two men broke into the residence, entering through a rear kitchen window. The intruders, at least one of whom was armed with a shotgun, made their way upstairs to a rear bedroom where Rahman and his girlfriend were sleeping.

The men startled the couple awake and demanded money. According to police sources, Rahman recognized the voice of one of the intruders and called him by his nickname more than once. When the money was not produced quickly enough, the gunman opened fire. Rahman was struck by shotgun blasts in the abdomen and was pronounced dead at the scene. His 13-year-old son was in the same room and witnessed his father's murder. The other five children were elsewhere in the house and heard the gunshots but did not see what happened.

Rahman’s girlfriend, the children's stepmother, was also shot, suffering wounds to her face, jaw, and forearm. Despite being in critical condition, she was alert and able to speak with police as medics rushed her to Temple University Hospital. None of the six children were physically harmed in the attack. They were later picked up from the home by their grandparents.

Philadelphia Police Department investigators, including Chief Inspector Scott Small and Captain James Clark, responded to the scene. They described the crime as a home invasion, robbery, and homicide. Investigators believed the attack was not random and that the suspects knew Rahman. Police noted that Rahman’s own criminal history may have played a role in the violent encounter.

In the alley behind the home, police recovered a significant amount of evidence they believed was dropped by the assailants as they fled. This included a bag containing a box of 12-gauge shotgun shells and loose shells, a knit skull cap, and a sawed-off shotgun nearby. Inside the bedroom, three spent shotgun shells were found. Detectives also sought to recover footage from several surveillance cameras in the area, hoping the video might provide additional clues to identify the suspects.

In the years since Hakim Rahman’s murder, his family has continued to mourn his loss. Online memorials are filled with messages from loved ones expressing how much they miss his beautiful smile, his wit, and his presence in their lives. They remember him as a wonderful soul who is loved and missed every day.

As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in the case, and the investigation remains open. The two men who broke into the family’s home and killed a father in front of his child have not been brought to justice.