Man shot, killed in backyard in West Philadelphia

Philadelphia police are investigating after a man was shot to death Sunday night in his backyard in West Philadelphia.

It happened just before 10:30 p.m. on the 900 block of North 47th Street in West Philadelphia.

Officers from the 16th district responded to reports of a person shot at the residence, according to investigators.

When police arrived, they found a 48-year-old man shot multiple times throughout his body lying in his backyard.

Inspector D F Pace with the Philadelphia Police Department said a woman and at least two children were inside the man’s home when they heard some type of commotion happening in their backyard.

That’s when investigators said the victim went outside.

“The victim came out of the home to find out what was going on where at least two other persons, both armed with weapons were there, Pace said. “Both fired at close range at the victim, striking him multiple times.”

Police said the victim fell to the ground.

When medics arrived at the scene, they tried to revive the victim but were unsuccessful. He died at around 10:30 p.m.

Pace said investigators know there were at least two gunmen at the scene as they found at least five spent shell casings from two different calibers, one was a rifle round. Police also found two unfired rifle rounds at the scene.

No one else was injured inside the home during the shooting, according to police.

Police do not have a suspect in custody and have yet to determine a motive.

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions with respect to what exactly happened, what the motive is,” Pace said.

Investigators said the homes had been undergoing renovations and there was no fencing in the backyard, making it harder for police to determine what direction the gunmen came from and what direction they fled in.

Police are unsure if the gunmen used a vehicle during the incident.

Pace said investigators are speaking with family members from inside the home and searching the area near the scene for surveillance video to aid in the investigation.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police.