Rafael Jones, 23, was charged by police on Friday morning in the death of Officer Moses Walker, Jr. He has been in custody since Wednesday, when he was picked up as a 'person of interest' in a third floor apartment at Bartram Village in Southwest Philadelphia.
Investigators say Jones was one of two men seen in surveillance video, released by investigators as they searched for suspects.
Police have scheduled a 1:00 p.m. news conference to further update this case. Watch the news conference LIVE at 6abc.com.
The other man in that video remains at large.
Overnight, sources told Action News that police questioned Jones' younger brother, but stress he is not a suspect. Police say they questioned him to gain more information about the second suspect.
Jones had been under intense questioning by homicide investigators and, at first, was refusing to cooperate or answer any questions. Apparently, that changed Thursday night, as word has come in that Jones gave police new information.
Officer Walker, a 19-year veteran had survived his shift in the 22nd Police District, only to be gunned down in civilian clothes during a robbery attempt as he walked to a bus stop near 20th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
Action News has learned that Jones has a lengthy criminal history.
Court records reveal that, in 2007, he allegedly slapped and pulled a gun on his own sister. However, she refused to testify and the charges were dropped.
A few months later, in 2008, Jones was sentenced to two-four years in prison on firearm charges.
After serving his time, he was arrested last year for allegedly pulling a gun on a man, stealing his jacket, cash, mobile phone and other items. The alleged victim failed to show up in court. The charges were dropped.
However, the arrest was a clear violation of his parole. So, in March, a judge ordered him to court.
The judge continued Jones' probation, which included earning his GED and weekly drug tests with one added requirement: state electronic monitoring.
It's unclear what happened to the electronic monitoring, but the 23-year-old, from North Philadelphia, is now in custody on a bench warrant for failing to appear at the probation department.
Police are still searching for his accomplice, but say they know who they are looking for.
If you have any information about the suspect or the crime you can submit a tip by dialing 215-686-TIPS (8677), text TIP to PPD TIP (773847) or through phillypolice.com.
Funeral for Ofc. Walker planned
The viewing for Officer Walker will be held on Sunday, August 26, at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, located at 2001 Lehigh Avenue in Philadelphia starting at 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
On Monday, August 27, from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., a public viewing will be held at the Deliverance Evangelistic Church.
Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Committal Services will be held following the service at Fernwood Cemetery, located at 6501 Baltimore Avenue in Lansdowne, Pa.
