Murder, More Charges Filed In North Philly 'Spree Of Violence:' DA

PHILADELPHIA — Eight people have been charged in connection with multiple killings and shootings that hurt several people in Philadelphia from 2021 to 2022, authorities said.

District Attorney Larry Krasner, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, members of the Gun Violence Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the Monday.

These charges stem from the eight people's their roles in a spree of violence throughout North Philadelphia from 2021 to 2022, the DA's office said.

Charged by a grand jury are Jamir Brunson-Gans, 21; Dontae Sutton, 20; Khalil Henry, 20; Elijah Soto, 19; Nakye Williams, 19; Haneef Davis, 19; Jahlil Williams, 25; and Rahmeir Hayes, 22.

They are all implicated in the killing of five people and eight non-fatal shooting victims. All are charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and related firearm offenses.

Authorities also allege that seven of the eight are associated with a street group known as the "Big Naddy Gang," while another is a member of the "Zoo Gang."

According to authorities, the grand jury alleges that Jahlil Williams, Sutton, Brunson-Gans, Soto, Nakye Williams, Henry, and Davis murdered a mother of two children near the intersection of 33rd and Diamond Streets on Sept. 29, 2021. Two other women were wounded in the incident, the DA's offce said. Investigators believe the incident was a contract killing and that the defendants targeted the wrong people.

Brunson-Gans, Soto, and Sutton are also accused of being involved in the killing of one person on Sept. 6, 2021 on the 2200 block of West Huntingdon Street.

Brunson-Gans and Sutton were also involved in the attempted murder of another person who was shot multiple times on Sept. 5, 2021 on the 3100 block of North Judson Street, authorities said.

Soto, Sutton, Henry, and Hayes were involved in the murder of another victim on September 18, 2021 on the 2900 block of West York Street, according to the grand jury.

Additionally, authorities said the grand jury charged Nakye Williams and Davis with being party to the killing of another person who was leaving a candlelight vigil for a young homicide victim on the evening of Oct. 10, 2021 on the 2600 block of North 22nd Street.

Nakye Williams is also alleged to have killed another individual during a carjacking on Jan. 2, 2022 near the 2500 block of North 28th Street, the DA's office said

"I commend the members of the Investigating Grand Jury, Gun Violence Task Force, Philadelphia Police Department, and ATF for conducting such an extensive and thorough investigation," Krasner said Monday. "This is a shining example of how cutting edge forensics and committed police work can hold drivers of gun violence accountable for their wonton disregard for peace and safety. The residents of North Philadelphia can rest easier knowing that these defendants are in custody and will be prosecuted vigorously."

"I commend Philadelphia Police Detective Tim Hartman for the phenomenal job he's done along with all of our other law enforcement partners," Bethel said. "The long term impact of these arrests are significant. This work matters because it shows the people in the 22nd District that we see them, we hear them, and we care about them."

"I want to thank Detective Tim Hartman of the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as GVTF Analyst Paul Haggerty and the ATF for their invaluable assistance in this case," Assistant District Attorney Joseph Lanuti, who is assigned to prosecute this case, said. "Because of this successful investigation, law enforcement was able to take down a extremely dangerous group of people who callously killed and wounded numerous victims and terrorized North Philadelphia residents. To other groups who are engaged in violence and terror, realize that we are coming for you and we will hold you accountable."