PHILADELPHIA — A 20-year-old contractor was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, and the homeowner where the shooting happened is now in police custody.
Contractor identified as Salis Hanrahan
Police have identified the victim as Salis Hanrahan, a construction worker who was on the job at a home in the 400 block of Ripka Street when the shooting occurred.
Officers responded to the scene around 2:19 p.m. Wednesday after getting a call about a hospital case. When they arrived, they found Hanrahan suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to Jefferson Einstein Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just under half an hour later.
Investigators say members of Hanrahan’s construction crew were working on the exterior of the home, putting up siding, when the shooting happened.
According to Philadelphia police Captain James Kimrey, the crew reported hearing some kind of argument or commotion coming from inside the house shortly before Hanrahan came outside and collapsed on the sidewalk.
Homeowner held for questioning, no charges filed
A 75-year-old man who lives at the home was taken into custody for questioning after the shooting. Police recovered a firearm at the scene as part of their investigation. As of Thursday, no charges had been filed against him, and detectives have not released details about what led up to the shooting or what the argument inside the home may have involved.
The Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hanrahan’s death, and officials say the case remains open while they work to determine exactly what happened before the shots were fired.
Neighbors in the quiet Roxborough neighborhood said they were stunned by the violence. Residents described the block as an unlikely place for something like this to happen, with several saying they never expected trouble at that particular house. The sudden police presence and flashing lights drew attention from people living nearby, many of whom said they were left shaken by how close the shooting happened to their own homes.
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tips can be shared with the Homicide Unit directly by calling 215-686-3334 or submitted anonymously by calling or texting the tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
As the investigation continues, authorities have not said whether additional charges are expected or when they anticipate having more clarity on what triggered the confrontation. For now, the case remains under active investigation, with detectives working to piece together the sequence of events that left a young contractor dead and a homeowner facing questioning in a case that has left the neighborhood on edge.
