Delco Man Charged In Fatal Carjackings, Philly Police Say

DREXEL HILL, PA — A Delaware County man is charged with numerous crimes, including murder and carjacking, in connection with several recent carjackings in Philadelphia, police said.

Jonathan Akubu, 28, of Drexel Hill, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, robbery, carjacking, firearm violations, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person, and unauthorized use of an automobile, according to Philadelphia Police.

Police described Akubu as part of a carjacking ring.

The charges stem from three incidents that occurred earlier in February that authorities allege Akubu was part of.

Police said the first incident was at 12:12 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 4 on the 7600 block of Elmwood Avenue. In that incident, a 45-year-old woman parked her Toyota RAV4, and as she went to enter her home three suspects attempted to grab her bag from her, police said.

The victim screamed and a man in the property opened the door. One of the suspects fired a gunshot at the victim, only striking the door, according to police.

The suspects took the keys from the woman and drove off in her car, police said. No one was hurt in that incident.

Two days later on Sunday, Feb. 6, 60-year-old George Briscella was found shot on the 2100 block of Afton Street at about 8:12 p.m. Briscella was taken to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

According to Fox 29, police found Briscella's vehicle on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Then just a few hours later at 7:25 p.m. on that same date, police went to 8100 Grovers Ave. for a report of a shooting and a person with a gun. There, they found Aiah Gbessay suffering from gunshot wounds, police said. Gbessay was pronounced dead at 7:35 p.m., according to police.

Action News reports Akubu stole Gbessay's vehicle after shooting him.

Akubu is also charged in connection with a Jan. 27 robbery and attempted carjacking, and a Dec. 27, 2021 incident, according to court records and Fox 29.

According to NBC10, Philadelphia has seen 203 carjackings so far this year.

Akubu was held without bail and had a preliminary hearing date scheduled for March 7, court records show.