Police: Driver Gunned Down On I-76 Over iPhone; Suspects Arrested
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting death of a driver on the Schuylkill Expressway last year. Investigators say the motive behind the murder was a stolen iPhone.
On April 8th of 2012, 29-year-old Kareem EL was driving in the center lane of the Schuylkill Expressway at about 2:30 a.m. when another vehicle pulled alongside his car. (See Related Story)
The passenger of that car fired at least five shots into the driver side of EL's car. One of those bullets struck EL in the head, killing him.
The unknown vehicle then sped off while the uninjured passenger in EL's car gained control of the car and brought it to a stop.
EL was pronounced dead at the scene.
On May 18th, 2012, James Alston was arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department in a separate shooting incident.
During that incident, an officer observed Alston discard a black CZ 75, 9mm firearm, which was recovered.
The firearm was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Ballistic Laboratory, which revealed that the weapon matched the one used in the homicide of EL. The weapon was registered to Brent Coleman of Philadelphia.
Investigators say witnesses were found and identified Coleman as the driver of the vehicle and Alston as the passenger and shooter.
Investigators say the motive for the murder was a stolen iPhone.
Coleman was arrested on January 8th, 2012 and is being held without bail. Alston was arrested January 16th and is awaiting arraignment.
Coleman and Alston have been charged with 1st and 3rd Degree Murder, conspiracy to murder and related offenses.
