3 killed over violent weekend in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s murder rate is up 10 percent over this time last year. Over the weekend, 16 people were shot with three dying of their injuries. A fourth man shot in Springfield, Montgomery County, died in a Philadelphia hospital.
Police spokesman Lt. Ray Evers says police have started volunteering for six-day weeks to help the department target high-crime areas.
“July is something that we’re getting a handle on, I believe,” said Evers Monday.
“We’re doing the best with the tools that we have and the personnel, manpower that we have right now,” he said.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Attorney General Eric Holder announced Monday that Philadelphia will take part in a Violent Crime Reduction Partnership with the Department of Justice. Federal agents will spend four months providing assistance and training to local law enforcement.Just over the river, Camden had 39 homicides as of last week, up from 30 at this time last year.
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