Teen killed in SEPTA bus stop shooting identified as Imhotep Institute Charter High School student
Police say Dayemen Taylor died after being shot just down the street from the school.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A shooting at a SEPTA bus stop in Philadelphia's Ogontz neighborhood Monday has left a community heartbroken.
A 17-year-old was killed and four others were hurt when gunfire broke out.
The teen who lost his life has been identified as a student at a nearby school.
Police say Dayemen Taylor, an Imhotep Institute Charter High School student, died after being shot just down the street from the school.
The school is not holding classes on Tuesday as the community mourns the loss of one of its own.
"As you know, this has been an issue going back some time. Even in my position in school safety, where after school we know has become one of the most dangerous times when the kids move away from school," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Police say a group of teenagers was waiting at a SEPTA bus stop at Ogontz and Godfrey at 3:45 p.m. when two people walked up and started shooting.
Neighbors heard the gunshots.
"I heard something go boom but it was a rapid-fire," said Dwight Alexander.
"It definitely appears that this individual -- our decedent -- was targeted," Bethel said. "As people were boarding, people come up and start to fire."
Two other boys, ages 14 and 15, suffered graze wounds. The bullets also pierced a Route 6 SEPTA bus, injuring two women inside, ages 71 and 50. Both women are in stable condition.
READ MORE: SEPTA bus shooting leaves teen dead, 4 others wounded in Philadelphia's Ogontz neighborhood
"They were innocent bystanders. They were inside on the bus when they were struck," Bethel said.
"I think we are fortunate when talking to the team because the bullets went through the glass, it was able to slow down the bullet."
Chopper 6 was overhead as police cordoned off the bus that came to a stop on Limekiln Pike and 16th Street.
"Our work will never stop. It's important we continue to go after individuals who have guns in our community," Bethel said. "In this case, we believe this gun was set to go on automatic which often continues to be a challenge when you see the level of rounds out here."
On Tuesday, District Attorney Larry Krasner said his office responded and also provided outreach to victims at the scene.
"This is an absolute outrage. It will be solved. Those responsible will be vigorously prosecuted," said Krasner.
Police sources say they are working to find a clear motive for the shooting, and determine whether or not the shooting stemmed from a fight at school earlier in the day.
The latest shooting puts safety on the transit system in the spotlight, again.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed ACT 40 into law, which would assign a special prosecutor from the attorney general's office for crimes committed on or near SEPTA property.
Krasner, the Senate Democratic Caucus and the NAACP have criticized the move, saying it infringes upon voter's rights who elected him into office.
Institute Charter High School released this statement on the fatal shooting:
"The Imhotep Institute Charter High School family has a heavy heart today. The last 24 hours have been our greatest fear, one of our young kings killed by gun violence. Dayemen Taylor had a joyful smile and loved our school as we loved him. His last day of school he was actively engaged in Stem Week. In the attached video, he was working with a Chemist splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen. This is how we will remember him. We will remember his jokes, smile and curiosity for learning. We will work with his family to keep his memory alive. We are also focused on the healing and safety of our community. We have been in contact with the Philadelphia Police Department, Councilwoman Bass, Councilman Thomas, and State Representative Kinsey's offices and multiple offices from the city of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia. We thank all of them for their support in this time of tragedy."
