Philadelphia police identify 16-year-old shot and killed in Tioga-Nicetown

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have identified the teen who was shot and killed on Wednesday evening in the Tioga-Nicetown section.

Officers were called to the 1400 block of West Erie Avenue around 5:30 p.m. for a reported shooting.

They arrived to find 16-year-old Semaj Richardson with gunshot wounds to his torso.

Police took him to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:53 p.m.

Richardson lived in the 3700 block of N. 17th Street, which is just a few blocks away from the shooting scene.

Police say the shooters walked out of convenience store and saw Richardson, then two people immediately pulled out guns and opened fire.

Richardson was able to run a short distance before he collapsed.

Police are investigating whether this homicide is related to a non-fatal shooting around the corner earlier this week.

Rahsheedah Carter of North Philadelphia heard the shots and came running.

"I just heard him saying, 'Help, help', and I went over there, and he said he got shot," said Carter.

Carter said she called 911 multiple times after finding Richardson collapsed near West Erie and Carlisle. She said neighbors also started to call before getting through.

"They didn't answer the phone. I couldn't get nobody on the phone, and it was like - I kept calling - and I just started screaming, and I just went in shock and started panicking because I wanted him to get help," Carter explained.

"Nice smile, warm heart," Carter described of the teen victim.

"It's hard when it's someone you know and not just hearing it on the news or reading it in the papers. I'm tired of it. Losing too many kids out here- it's crazy," Carter added.

Police do not know the motive.

About 30 minutes before that shooting, police say three males were shot at 60th and Catherine streets in the city's Cobbs Creek section.

Police say the victims' ages were 17, 21 and 56.

The 56-year-old victim and 21-year-old are listed in critical condition at an area hospital. The 17-year-old, who suffered a graze wound, was listed as stable.

And just before 7:30 p.m., police say a 20-year-old man was shot multiple times on the 3300 block of North Front Street. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

No arrests have been made in connection with these shootings.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.

Tackling gun violence

As of January 10, the city has seen 46 nonfatal shootings and nine fatal.

Mayor Jim Kenney released a report outlining his administration's core priorities in his final year.

"Our core priorities are: enhancing public safety; increasing the quality of life and building thriving neighborhoods across the city; supporting a strong foundation for Philadelphia youth through historic investments; and driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity to build a thriving economy that benefits everyone," Kenney said.

When Kenney first took office, homicides did not surpass 300. In the past two years, they've reached 500.

On Monday, 100 additional Philadelphia police officers were redeployed to the hardest-hit districts in the city. The new assignment is a decision Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw made after reassessing operation pinpoint grids.

"Together these measures will boost police department presence and target high-risk offenders," said Outlaw.

The redeployment is the largest the city has had in a number of years.

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