In many cases, including Lee's, the motive for murder was robbery.
"Preliminary investigation indicates that this decedent was with several males walking down the street when two unknown males came up to them and announced a robbery. [The suspects] went thru their pockets and when the decedent tried to run he was shot and collapsed on scene," said Captain James Clark. The victim's family is still hoping for the killers to be brought to justice. "I know one thing; I trust the Lord that he's going to make sure justice will be served," said Lorraine Sutton, Lee's relative. The spate of violence is taxing detectives. "We had our hands full this weekend with the events dealing with Sept. 11. Nonetheless our officers were very busy. It was very taxing on the homicide unit when you get that many investigations in a short period of time," said Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross. Investigators say that justice may not be swift if they don't get help from the public. "We need some information. We need some help because there were seven people who were killed and there are families that are grieving as a result. So anybody who will call 911 or more specifically call the homicide unit directly will be greatly appreciated," said Deputy Commissioner Ross. Anyone with information can call police at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or submit a tip at the Philadelphia Police website.
With the rash of violence from this weekend, homicides are up 5 percent more than this time last year.
