Suspect in custody following murder at Center City hotel on Christmas Day

Police sources tell Action News the suspected shooter is a 24-year-old man.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Suspect in custody following murder at Center City hotel
According to sources, the suspect found out his ex-boyfriend was meeting up with the 37-year-old male victim at the hotel.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A suspect accused of shooting a man inside a Center City Philadelphia hotel on Christmas Day is now in custody, Action News has learned.

It happened around 3 p.m. Sunday at the Sheraton on the 200 block of North 17th Street.

Sources say the killing was the result of a complex love triangle.

According to sources, a man had booked a room at the Sheraton to meet up with another person. That man's ex-boyfriend, the 24-year-old suspect, found out about the hotel room and allegedly went there with the intent to kill his ex. When the suspect got to the room, his ex was gone, but the 37-year-old victim was still there.

Sources say the suspect then shot and killed the 37-year-old victim.

The suspect reportedly drove home to Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, and called police to confess to the crime, Action News has learned.

People who were staying at the hotel at the time say they were unaware the shooting happened.

"I don't know what protocols they have in place, but they need to do better, I know that much," said Jawara Griffin, who had been in his room when the shooting happened.

"Living in Philadelphia now, it's kind of always present on your mind with gun violence. And when it hits close to home, it makes it resonate more deeply, so it's a sad situation for sure," said Tom Brier from Center City.

A spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement that the safety of guests is top priority and staff is working with police to provide all necessary information.

The 24-year-old suspect is facing murder charges.

The victim has not been identified.