Paoli Woman's Boyfriend Shot, Killed Near Drexel Tuesday

PAOLI, PA – A Paoli woman's boyfriend was shot dead Tuesday after an armed man allegedly intervened when she and her boyfriend were arguing near Drexel University's campus Tuesday evening, according to Philadelphia Police and media reports.

Merlos Mukaj, 21, of the 3800 block of Spring Garden Street, died after being shot at about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 on the 3500 block of Lancaster Avenue, where he and his girlfriend, reportedly a 22-year-old Paoli woman, were arguing, police said.

Police said 24-year-old Joseph Howanski, of the 3800 block of Hamilton Street, has been charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.

NBC10 reports Mukaj and his girlfriend were arguing in the area when Howanski allegedly tried to intervene.

Howanski, a Drexel graduate himself according to 6ABC, does have a permit to carry a firearm in Philadelphia.

Witnesses told the outlet Mukaj and his girlfriend were in a heated argument. Howanski allegedly approached the couple and exchanged words with Mukaj and the two began shoving one another.

Then Howanski allegedly backed up, pulled out his firearm, and fired three rounds at Mukaj, 6ABC reports.

Police responded to the 3500 block of Lancaster Avenue Tuesday night for a report of a disturbance on the road then a person with a gun, police said.

Upon arrival, police found Mukaj suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest.

He was taken to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:52 p.m., police said.

Howanski was denied bail at his Nov. 30 preliminary arraignment and is slated to appear for his preliminary hearing on Dec. 20.

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