On July 3, 2024, at approximately 6:25 a.m., 22-year-old Jamie Reed of Philadelphia was fatally shot in a typically tranquil neighborhood in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. According to police reports, Reed was standing outside an apartment building at 83 S. State Road, engaged in a phone conversation, when six males exited a parked silver car and began chasing him. As Reed fled along Penarth Avenue, some of the assailants fired multiple gunshots, striking him several times.
He collapsed and died on the patio of an 88-year-old homeowner's residence on the 7100 block of Penarth Avenue.
The violent incident shocked the long-time residents of the quiet community. One neighbor, Glenn Heym, who has lived in Upper Darby for 75 years, recounted being awakened by the sound of gunfire, initially mistaking it for fireworks. Another resident, Edward Robinson, discovered that a stray bullet had struck a grill on his porch, narrowly missing him. Fortunately, no residents were injured during the shooting.
Investigators believe the attack stemmed from a dispute in Philadelphia that spilled over into Upper Darby. Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt suggested that the assailants may have been lying in wait for Reed, luring him into a trap before launching their assault. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to identify the six suspects and their getaway vehicle. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
The community, unaccustomed to such violence, has been left unsettled by the incident. Residents expressed concerns about safety in their neighborhood, which has traditionally been peaceful. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending those responsible for Jamie Reed's death.
