Suspect charged in 2023 ambush murder of man in North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges Thursday against a suspect wanted for the April 2023 murder of a man in North Philadelphia.

Richard Prigden, 21, is accused of fatally shooting 27-year-old George Smith on North 17th Street.

Prigden allegedly jumped out of a vehicle and ambushed Smith while he was standing on the sidewalk, shooting him multiple times before fleeing back into the vehicle.

Officials say the vehicle had been stolen from its owner at gunpoint the day before.

Prigden is alleged to to be a member of the so-called Backblock gang.

He is already in federal custody.

Sunday says Prigden is in prison for carjacking and is charged with two other homicides in Philadelphia.

Pridgen has been charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy (murder), robbery of a motor vehicle, violations of the Uniformed Firearms Act, and related offenses.