In the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia, a young man's life was tragically cut short. Jude Chacko, a 21-year-old Indian-American male, was found on the 2700 block of Cumberland Street early on Sunday morning, May 28, 2023. A passing pedestrian discovered him with a gunshot wound to his head. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead later that evening.
At the time of his death, Chacko was a student at Temple University where he was studying business administration.
Authorities believe that the motive for the attack was robbery. Chacko was returning from his part-time job when he was assailed. His wallet and a firearm, for which he had a legal permit to carry, were both missing from the scene. The lack of witnesses and surveillance cameras in the area made it difficult for investigators to determine the exact time of the shooting. The assailants who attacked him remain unidentified, and police have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest in the ongoing investigation.
Jude Chacko was remembered by his community as a kind and devout young man. His family, who had immigrated from Kerala, India, more than three decades prior, were pillars of their local church, St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church in the Bustleton section of Philadelphia. Chacko was deeply involved in his faith community. Beyond his studies and church activities, he had a passion for martial arts, having earned a black belt and volunteering as an instructor. In death, he gave the gift of life to others through the donation of his kidneys. His family and friends remember him for his warm and calm demeanor, his strong sense of community, and his readiness to help those in need.
