A Philadelphia community is grieving and authorities have launched an intensive manhunt following a horrific late-night shooting that left a 61-year-old grandmother and entrepreneur dead and her husband hospitalized. Philadelphia police have issued an arrest warrant for 35-year-old Shariff Perry in connection with the fatal attack, which has stunned neighbors and loved ones.
Officers responded to emergency calls reporting a gunman in a North Philadelphia neighborhood at 11:49 p.m. on August 9. Upon arrival, police discovered 61-year-old Michelle Wilson and her 67-year-old husband suffering from multiple gunshot wounds as they sat together on the porch of their home. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital, where Wilson tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead minutes after midnight. Her husband survived the attack and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Investigators have recovered approximately 20 shell casings from the scene, and news footage revealed numerous bullet holes riddling the exterior of the couple’s home. Surveillance video shared by police captured a suspect walking down the street, retrieving a firearm from a bag, and later opening fire. Authorities have not yet released a motive for why the couple was targeted. A $20,000 reward is currently being offered for information leading directly to the arrest and conviction of Perry, who remains at large.
Devastated neighbors remembered the victims as dedicated and hardworking members of the community who had recently embarked on a new business venture together. Aaron Lively, a lifelong friend and neighbor, told local media outlets that the couple had just launched a sandwich and taco truck business in the area. “They were good friends of mine. It’s sad that it happened. They were hard-working people trying to make an honest dollar, selling their food,” Lively shared. Anyone with information regarding Perry’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit or submit an anonymous tip.
