Search continues for suspects in 2024 mass shooting in Strawberry Mansion

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Nearly two and a half years after a mass shooting in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood left two people dead, police are still searching for the gunman responsible.

The shooting happened Jan. 14, 2024, when someone opened fire through the front door and a window of a home on the 2400 block of North Myrtlewood Street. Six people were shot. Two of them later died from their injuries.

One of the victims was 41-year-old Christopher Smith, who was remembered by longtime friend Shadeed Sharpe as a brother.

"Us being best friends for over 30 years, you get to a point that you don't have a memory without that person," Sharpe said.

Smith's death continues to weigh heavily on his loved ones, Sharpe said, especially with no arrest made.

"There's a hole in our family now and forever and compounded not knowing what happened," he said.

Police said an illegal speakeasy was being operated inside the home at the time of the shooting. Sharpe said Smith was simply visiting that night.

"From what we've been told so far, he was just there hanging out and like most people there wasn't directly involved in whatever confrontation," Sharpe said.

Sharpe believes his friend was in the wrong place at the wrong time and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

"To anyone who has any type of information don't let it happen to someone close to you family or friend or both," he said.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Authorities said tips can be provided anonymously.

Police have not released any information about a suspect as the investigation continues.