Police Believe Pregnant Murder Victim's Boyfriend Was Intended Target In North Philly Shooting
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A vigil is planned tonight to honor a 25-year-old pregnant woman who was gunned down in North Philadelphia Thursday. Shaliyah Davis was shot in the head while sitting in an SUV on West Berks Street. She later died at the hospital.
It's a tragedy no family is ever prepared for, particularly because the victim was bringing a life into this world.
No arrests have been made in the case and police are asking for the public's help in finding the shooter.
Davis was only 25 and was four months pregnant. Her family says she was smart and had a bright future but she was shot and killed in North Philadelphia Thursday after visiting relatives.
"We have a lot of work to do but at the end of the day, these young men must put these guns down," City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson said.
Police say Davis was not the intended target. Instead, they believe the suspect was after her boyfriend, who fled the Ford Escape and took off running when the shooter approached the SUV and opened fire.
Davis was struck in the head and after being rushed to Temple University Hospital, she and her unborn baby died four hours later.
"We need to do everything that's possible to bring these people to justice who have pulled the trigger, and most importantly, make sure that the family members who have lost someone know justice is being served," Johnson said.
Police say Davis' boyfriend was also in possession of a weapon when he took off. The gunman chased after him but it isn't clear what the motive behind the shooting was.
Councilmember Johnson heads City Council's Special Committee on Gun Violence and has reached out to the public for input on what can be done to curb gun violence in Philadelphia.
He also plans to work with law enforcement officials.
"We will work hand in hand with the Philadelphia Police Department, we will work hand in hand with the district attorney's office to bring this individual to justice," Johnson said.
As of Thursday night, police say there have been 227 homicides in the city so far this year -- up 30% from last year.
For a list of gun violence resources in Philadelphia, click here.
