Clarice Douglas, 45, was shot and killed during a gun battle between two men on Friday afternoon in the 1500 block of South Corlies.
Police said one of the participants was shot and wounded in the exchange. The other person involved remains at large.
He has been identified as 28-year-old Shekinah Williams. An arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Shekinah Williams is described as a black male, 5'3", 125 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and resides on the 2100 block of Sears Street.
Investigators say at least 18 shots were fired during the fatal incident.
"The information we got was that she was in the middle of the block. She was walking back towards her house, and two individuals started shooting at each other. She was caught in the middle of the cross fire, and she got shot several times," explained Captain James Clark.
According to investigators, Douglas was shot several times, including once in the head. She was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she later died."It's very, very sad that she was shot and killed," Capt. Clark said.
A large .45 caliber semi automatic was discarded in a trash can. Police believe that it is the murder weapon. Police say it had an extended magazine that could hold 30 bullets; 15 were still in the clip.
A 22-year-old man was found wounded a few blocks away, in the 1400 block of Patton Street. He was taken to HUP with three gunshot wounds to the arm and one in his side. He was listed in critical, but stable, condition.
"We have an individual that we believe was involved in it," said Captain Clark. But police say the man who was shot is being 'uncooperative.'
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Neighbors of Clarice Douglas were sickened that she was killed in the crossfire.
"She was a good friend," said James Parker. "I don't know what's going on. This getting out of hand," said neighbor James Parker. "Loved her poor mother, don't bother a soul. Loves her kids, she's dead," said Maryann Schriver. Kara Moko moved here recently from West Africa and cannot believe what the neighborhood has become. "No more safe here," said Moko. "Very, very dangerous place." What scares some the most is that summer may be worse. "What do we do with our babies, keep them in?" asked Shriver. "Is that what we're supposed to do now? We're all prisoners, because my kids are so scared? No, this is crazy." Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says they need cooperation from the public in the investigation. "These aren't folks coming in from another city to commit crime in Philadelphia. These are Philadelphians killing Philadelphians," said Commissioner Ramsey. "We need people to provide information so that we can get them off the street." A total reward of $25,000 is being offered in the murder. The city is offering a $20,000 reward, as it does in all murder cases. Today, State Senator Anthony Williams, and Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson secured another $5,000. Anyone with information is asked contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or at phillypolice.com.