Leaders issue call to action after South Philadelphia murder

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- City leaders and police are issuing a call to action in the effort to fight crime in one South Philadelphia neighborhood where a murder happened over the weekend.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and police are going door to door in the neighborhood around 13th and Catherine streets handing out a flyer with phone numbers and email addresses - telling residents how exactly they can help in the fight against crime.

Councilman Johnson said, "They're not standing alone. They are not powerless and we're going to work with the police department and the district attorney's office to make sure this neighborhood is safe."

It was just before 1:00 a.m. Saturday when 30-year-old Jamil Taylor was shot on the 1300 block of Catherine Street.

He ran around the corner to 13th Street where he collapsed and died. Friends and family put up a small memorial on the spot.

Myron Everett tells us, "He's a real good guy. Very, very loving."

New construction in the area hasn't meant an end to old crime problems. Police want that to change, but need the public's help.

Philadelphia Police Captain Frank Milillo says, "This is a team effort. We can't do it alone. We need the community."

Brad Leach is a pastor with a neighborhood Christian church. He agrees this area is growing, getting better. The violence has got to end.

Leach says, "I think you start small and it's one person at a time and through relationships, being involved in people's lives, you can make a difference."

The flyer they are handing out tells residents how they can make a difference - ways to call, text, and email anonymous tips.

Tomorrow evening on National Night Out 6abc will be hosting a web chat with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and his top brass. You can ask about ways to help fight crime, about recent incidents involving police, and how to join the force.

The chat will be going on from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.