Philly closes out a violent 2020 with nearly 500 homicides

The particularly violent year gave way to more killings in the early hours of New Year’s Day, with three more murders after midnight.

Police stand by the Clothespin Sculpture near City Hall, where a dirt bike rider was fatally shot on Nov. 16, 2020.

Police stand by the Clothespin Sculpture near City Hall, where a dirt bike rider was fatally shot on Nov. 16, 2020. (NBC10)

Philadelphia recorded 499 homicides last year, the highest annual count in three decades.

That number included a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed in North Philly just hours before the new year.

A particularly violent 2020 gave way to more killings in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

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According to police, three people were pronounced dead in three separate shootings before 5 a.m. Friday.

The shootings claimed the lives of three men ranging from 26 to 37 years old. Police have yet to identify the deceased.

No arrests have been made in the killings.

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If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence in Philadelphia, you can find grief support and resources here.

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