In the early morning hours of November 17, 2009, just before Thanksgiving, 41-year-old Tara Monique Brooks was shot and killed inside her Southwest Philadelphia home on the 6100 block of Upland Street. Her husband, Kevin Brooks, told police that four armed and masked men broke into their house around 3:30 a.m., demanding drugs and money.
According to Kevin Brooks' account to the authorities, two of the men duct-taped his arms and legs and brought him downstairs, where his wife was with
the other two intruders. He claimed that when Tara began to struggle and insist they had nothing of value, she was shot once in the head. After the men fled, he said he was able to free himself. A neighbor reported hearing a gunshot and called the police, who found Tara and her husband at the scene around 3:40 a.m.
Police, however, noted inconsistencies in Kevin Brooks' story. They also revealed a history of domestic violence between the couple and stated that he was known to law enforcement for his involvement with drugs. Marijuana and cocaine were discovered in the home, and authorities indicated that he would likely face drug possession charges.
Despite the initial investigation and the account provided by her husband, the case of Tara Brooks' murder remains unsolved more than a decade later. No arrests have ever been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with her death, which police have investigated as a botched robbery. Her family continues to seek answers and justice for her killing. A reward of up to $20,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
