Frank Trower, a 21-year-old male, was found dead on February 5, 2012, in his rented townhouse located at 39th and Market Streets in Philadelphia. The circumstances surrounding his death were distressing. Trower was discovered by his sister around 4 p.m. He had sustained two bullet wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities reported no signs of forced entry and no weapon was found, suggesting that the incident may have involved someone who had easy access to the
residence. The investigation revealed no known affiliations between Trower and any local universities, which suggested he was not a student in the area, despite the location being near the University of Pennsylvania campus.
The investigation into Frank Trower's homicide has remained open, and as of the last available reports, no arrests have been made. There was also no clear motive for the crime, which has left investigators and the community puzzled. The Philadelphia Police Department, as the lead investigative body, has not identified any suspects. The lack of new information or progress in the case has contributed to its status remaining unsolved, adding to the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing violent crime in Philadelphia.
The location of the crime—close to the University of Pennsylvania—raised safety concerns among the nearby student community. Residents expressed unease about the apparent lack of alerts from university security about the incident. Some residents of the nearby student housing complex, Hamilton Court, voiced their concerns about safety, with calls for an increased police presence in the area. Despite this, several students mentioned feeling generally secure due to regular patrols by local officers and university safety personnel, though the effectiveness and response of campus security drew mixed reviews.
Frank Trower's death is one of many unsolved homicides that continue to affect communities in Philadelphia, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in the city and the struggles of the police department to close such cases. The case remains open without arrest, and Trower's family, along with the community, are still seeking answers and justice for his untimely death.
