Police: Witnesses heard arguing before Hunting Park murder

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police need help to track down a pick-up truck that witnesses say the shooter took off in.

They do not believe the victim was targeted but that the victim and suspect knew each other and got involved in some sort of dispute Tuesday night that ended in gunfire. The victim died a few hours later.

The gunshots rang out just after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning on the 4300 block of Old York Road.

Witnesses told police they heard the victim 30-year-old Shante Tucker arguing with someone driving an older model black pickup truck. That person then fired at least at eight times at Tucker.

Philadelphia Police Captain Jack Ryan said, "She was struck at least once in the back, we believe, as she was running away."

Tucker died a few hours later. Tucker was a transgender, and there were immediate concerns on social media that she may have been targeted because of her gender identity.

"I don't think that has any bearing on this particular crime. It's not a hate crime. She wasn't targeted because of her gender affiliation or her lifestyle," said Captain Ryan.

Investigators believe Tucker knew the person who shot her. She was known to frequent the area in the overnight hours. And the suspect's pick-up truck was also familiar to people in that section of Hunting Park.

"It's an older model, black pick-up truck. Without a tailgate and some junk in the back. It was seen by some witnesses leaving the scene," added Captain Ryan.

Police are hoping someone can direct them to that black older model pick-up truck with the missing tailgate.

Investigators hope to have video to release of the vehicle at some point.

Police said they don't think it will take long for them to make an arrest.

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