Mother of Fairmount Park victim: He was a 'good man'
PHILADELPHIA -- The mother of a man who was found dead inside an SUV in Fairmount Park - along with his romantic partner - says her son was a good man.
25-year-old Shakoor Arline and 32-year-old Lisa Smith were found dead inside the vehicle on Friday.
"It's just been rough. It's been rough," said Dara Arline, Shakoor's mother.
"He was all about supporting us, just wanting us to be great," she continued. "If we were great, he was great."
"He always called, checked in with his brother and sister and myself. Every time we hung up we said 'I love you.'"
Police say Arline and Smith were in the backseat of the SUV, in the midst of a sexual encounter, when they were killed.
Investigators say someone opened the rear door and fired nine shots. Each bullet resulted into gunshot wounds to the victims' heads.
Both victims maintained other romantic relationships, police say, and Smith had five children between four and 13 years of age. Those relationships have been a central part of the investigation.
Police are still interviewing people but, so far, no suspects have been named and there are have been no arrests.
In the end, Shakoor's brother, Justin Bryant, says all he knows is he lost his best friend.
"We lived in the same room for 18 years, until I left for school. We were very close, we had an unbreakable bond," Bryant said.
Shakoor's mother has a message for anyone who has information about this case.
"If you know something, please call the police and let them know. We did not deserve this and Shakoor did not deserve this."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334/3335.
