Police ID teen killed on bicycle in Strawberry Mansion

ByTRISH HARTMAN WPVI logo
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
VIDEO: Vigil held for teenager shot, killed
Family and friends gathered Monday night to remember 16-year-old Saleem West.

STRAWBERRY MANSION (WPVI) -- Friends and family gathered Monday night to remember 16-year-old Saleem West.

West, who was killed while riding his bicycle Sunday evening, was known as just "Leem" to loved ones.

"We're just doing this to let his family know that we love him and that he's not forgotten. That he's in our heart," said neighbor Paula Armstrong.

West's godmother, Pebbles Taylor, explained the huge loss felt by West's family.

"He's an only child. So this really hitting hard, to lose your one and only child that you have," said Taylor.

Police said West was gunned down around 4:40 p.m. in the 2200 block of West Sedgely Avenue.

He was riding his bike with a 15-year-old friend, who told police they were involved in an altercation with four men in a silver Buick.

They thought the men drove away, but then they noticed the car stopped, and police said two of the men got out, firing 17 shots.

One of them hit West in the back. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Family members said West was a junior at Delaware Valley Charter High School.

A memorial of stuffed animals and basketballs was set up across the street from his home. There was even a Toronto Raptors shirt - his favorite NBA team.

"He loved basketball, and football. He loved them both very much. He played all the time," said Taylor.

So far, no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 911.