Philadelphia police identify suspect wanted in deadly Hunting Park shootings

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police released a picture of the suspected killer wanted for multiple shootings and robberies in Hunting Park.

Investigators have now identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jahylin Melchur.

He is wanted in three shootings, two of which were deadly.

Police said the surveillance images show the suspect wearing distinctive clothing. Investigators also noted that he has tattoos on his wrists that may extend farther up his arms.

"All three incidents are perpetrated very similarly in the same geographic area. So, we are believing now they're all connected," Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore of the Philadelphia Police Department previously told Action News.

Each of the crimes happened on separate occasions, between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., dating back to May 29.

According to police, he was riding a SEPTA Broad Street Line train.

"We know this individual seems to be preying on people in that area. So, if someone does ride SEPTA at those times, around 10 p.m., they know this individual, know where this individual may live or hang around - we'd like to know," Vanore said.

The first shooting took place May 29. A 55-year-old man was shot in the abdomen and elbow. He survived but suffered critical injuries.

The second shooting occurred June 20 and involved a 45-year-old man. The third occurred June 26 and involved a 29-year-old man. Police said those victims were shot in the back and neither survived.

"The motive appears to be robbery, in all these cases. At least it does in the first case. We have a witness telling us he announced the robbery, but at this point, that's our theory," Vanore said.

The most recent killing occurred Friday.

Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.