Teen Charged With Murder In July 7 Mass Shooting

PHILADELPHIA — A teenager has been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with the July 7 mass shooting in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Police said Brandon Fischer, 17, was taken into custody Friday without incident. Authorities apprehended him at a property on the 1500 block of South 25th Street.

He is being charged with murder, attempted murder, firearm violations, and other related offenses in connection with the incident.

The shooting happened at about 12:57 a.m. July 7 on the 1500 block of South Etting Street. Killed in the early Monday morning shooting were Zahir Wylie, 23, Jason Reese, 19, and Azir Harris, 24.

Nine other victims sustained various gunshot wounds. A 21-year-old man was shot in the buttocks and ankle; a 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man were each shot in the left arm; another 19-year-old male also suffered a gunshot wound to the left arm. A 23-year-old woman sustained wounds to her left elbow, left thigh, and right calf. A 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man were also shot, though their specific injuries are currently unknown. A second 17-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the left arm.

Finally, a 19-year-old man sustained two gunshot wounds to the head. He was initially taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before being transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Authorities have already apprehended three people in connection with the shooting.

Jihad Gray, 35, Daquan Brown, 21, and Terrell Frazier, 22, have all been charged in connection with the shooting. A fourth man, 24-year-old Christopher Battle, is being sought after police said he was involved in the shooting.

Police believe the hail of gunfire began when someone fired a gun, likely in the air, which prompted others to begin shooting under the impression they were being shot at.

Thirteen guns were fired in the incident, and police said more than 140 pieces of ballistic evidence were found at the scene.

Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334, or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS.