Bar manager killed during robbery in North Philadelphia ID'd

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police have identified the bar manager who was shot to death in North Philadelphia.

Eugene Farmer, 46, was killed in an armed robbery around 1 a.m. Friday at Monique's Lounge at North 23rd Street and West Indiana Avenue.

The victim's father, William Berry, is pleading with the suspect to turn himself in.

"That human being who took a life for mere pennies, turn himself in," he said.

The father and son team started managing the bar on February 1.

Berry is fielding phone calls, trying to absorb what happened. His son's jacket still lying in the corner by his DJ equipment.

A beer still on the counter, never finished after the violence unfolded. Berry was not there at the time.

There were three people inside the bar: Farmer, the bartender and a customer.

Police say a man entered the bar with a hood tied tightly around his face.

"I guess my son recognized that and turned to him and I guess they got to struggling," said Berry.

During the struggle, the suspect fired two shots, hitting farmer twice.

The suspect then pointed his weapon at the bartender and announced a robbery.

After the bartender handed over $175 in cash from the register, the suspect leaned over Farmer who had collapsed on the floor, and took his wallet and car keys.

Farmer died at Temple University Hospital.

Berry says his son was a father of two, a computer wiz, and a hard worker who had recently adorned the wall with his father's name in lights. He is missed.

"I would like this coward to turn himself in. He robbed my family of a young man that has a very good future ahead of himself. A loving father, a loving son," said Berry.

The suspect is described as a male, 5"9" tall with a heavy build. He was wearing a dark green hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Police say there were no security cameras in the lounge, but they are checking the businesses in the area.

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