In the spring of 2023, a 16-year-old male named Nafis Betrand-Hill was fatally shot in North Philadelphia. On the evening of April 13th, he was with a group of friends on the 2300 block of West Montgomery Avenue when a vehicle approached. Two individuals exited the car and opened fire, striking Betrand-Hill multiple times. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The shooters fled the scene, but their vehicle was later recovered by law enforcement.
The investigation into the shooting led to the identification and arrest of three suspects: Aysir Clark, an aspiring rapper also known as Lil Bape; Ranief Allen; and Zaakir McClendon. Clark surrendered to police in May 2023 and was charged in connection with the murder. However, he was later acquitted of the charges following a trial.
Ranief Allen was also arrested shortly after the shooting. His case went to trial, and he was convicted of third-degree murder for his involvement in the death of Nafis Betrand-Hill. He is currently awaiting sentencing for his role in the fatal shooting.
More than two years after the incident, in July 2025, a third suspect, 20-year-old Zaakir McClendon, was arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy, and other related offenses. His arrest came after new evidence reportedly linked him to the crime. McClendon is also facing charges in a separate, unrelated homicide case.
