Suspect charged with murder after woman shot to death in Center City Philadelphia

Monday, September 8, 2025
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- UPDATE: Charges downgraded in fatal Center City Philadelphia shooting due to video evidence



A man has been charged with murder after a shooting in Center City Philadelphia on Friday night that left a woman dead.

The suspect, identified as John Kelly, was taken into custody shortly after the gunfire.

John Kelly



The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. at the corner of 12th and Chestnut streets, in front of a 7-Eleven. The incident, which unfolded along the busy corridor, was captured on video.



Casey Boultinghouse, who lives in the area, said he was heading out for a bike ride when he heard the gunfire.

"This is not the area that you typically hear things like this happening," Boultinghouse said. "That's when I just was outside my door and heard that and just started riding down Chestnut."



Police said the woman was pronounced dead at Jefferson Hospital about 90 minutes after the shooting. Her identity has not been released.



Video of the incident appears to show three people involved. One woman seems to be trying to pull a man away from another woman. Moments later, the man is seen pointing a gun at the woman on the ground.

Sources told Action News the victim had a gun and was trying to stop a fight between Kelly and his girlfriend. At some point afterward, she was shot.

Witnesses can be heard reacting in the video, including one exclaiming, "Oh my God!"

Sources say it appears the victims may have known each other.

"They hauled the girl off in the ambulance - that happened really quick," Boultinghouse said. "The hospitals are right around here. That happened pretty quick. Hauled her off. She was getting loaded up when I got here."



Evidence markers at the scene indicated at least two shots were fired.

Some witnesses said they had seen the individuals before and believed they may be part of the homeless community.

Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.

RELATED: Check the 6abc Neighborhood Safety Tracker



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