On October 29, 2023, at approximately 7:45 p.m., 65-year-old Mohammad Mahabub Rahman was fatally shot during a carjacking outside the Masjid Al Madinah Islamic Center, located on the 200 block of 69th Street in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. At the time of the incident, around 150 individuals were inside the mosque for evening prayers. Rahman, a husband and father employed as a correctional officer at Philadelphia's Riverside Correctional Facility since 2021, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the shooting, Rahman's vehicle, a white Toyota RAV4, was stolen and later recovered on the 800 block of Cecil Street in Philadelphia. Investigators identified 20-year-old Philadelphia resident, Herman Stigall, as the primary suspect. Stigall was also linked to an armed robbery at the King of Prussia Mall on October 30, 2023. Authorities tracked Stigall's movements and, on December 29, 2023, attempted to apprehend him while he was driving a Nissan Altima. A pursuit ensued, culminating in a crash on Interstate 76 in Philadelphia, where Stigall was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a "ghost gun," which ballistic tests later confirmed as the weapon used in Rahman's murder.
Stigall has been charged with first-degree murder, homicide, robbery, possession of an instrument of crime, and firearms violations in connection with Rahman's death. Additionally, he faces charges including attempted murder and aggravated assault related to a separate incident in Upper Darby on December 30, 2023. His preliminary hearings are scheduled for January 8, 2024. Authorities have stated that the attack on Rahman was a random act of violence and not motivated by bias or Rahman's affiliation with the mosque.
The arrest has brought a measure of relief to Rahman's family and the local community. Sheikh Siddique, president-elect of the Masjid Al Madinah Upper Darby Islamic Center, expressed satisfaction with the apprehension, stating, "We are happy. Community is happy that finally the family and community will get the justice." Rahman's friend, Mian Ahmad, also conveyed gratitude towards law enforcement agencies for their diligent efforts in bringing the suspect to justice.
