Northern Liberties on edge after killing

Gentrifying neighborhood more used to property crime

A young Philadelphia woman had just a short bike ride home from her friend’s place on Tuesday night, but she never made it. Instead, a neighbor found her naked body – apparently beaten and strangled – in Northern Liberties. It’s unusual in this gentrifying neighborhood.

Northern Liberties has had a bit of a Renaissance over the years – with an influx of new residents and businesses.

Now the community is reeling – and watching its back.

Northern Liberties Neighbors Association President Matt Ruben.

“The number one crime in the neighborhood is small property theft – usually car break ins. And over the years periodically there have been violent crimes and they have always come as a shock because it’s not the norm here…People are going to be more careful…making sure their doors are locked, thinking twice about going – especially women going alone in certain hours of the night when it’s dark.”

Ruben says the neighborhood’s Town Watch patrols can protect from some threats, but can’t do much to stop a predator bent on committing a specific crime.