1 dead, bystander wounded in South Philly shooting

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One person is dead and an innocent bystander critically injured after gunfire broke out in South Philadelphia.

It happened at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday in the 600 block of Winton Street.

Authorities say nearly 30 shots were fired from an intersection by at least two gunmen.

"This is senseless - all these shell casings. My mother lives on this block. She said, 'Eric, it sounds like a war zone out here,'" said Eric Devore.

A 35-year-old man, described by police as the intended target, was hit in the head and killed.

Police say the survivor, a 56-year-old man, was struck in the chest by a stray bullet. He is fighting for his life at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in critical condition.

Neighbors and family friends say the victim works as a SEPTA bus driver and was on the block checking on a property owned by his elderly mother, who suffers from dementia.

Police said the motive for the shooting was unclear.

"Witnesses observed the shooting, witnesses gave us a description of the shooter. But we don't have motive at this time," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

A family friend who did not want to be identified said the surviving victim underwent surgery for his injuries.

The 56-year-old has worked for SEPTA for decades. He's also deacon at his church and last week he buried his girlfriend who suddenly passed away.

"He takes care of his family and his mother always calls his name, 'Craig! Craig!' because you know dementia means you forget everything," said the victim's family friend.

"He's an outstanding citizen, a pillar of the community. Ever since I was a kid, he's always been a nice, nice individual," said Devore.

The names of the victims have not been released.

There are a number of city and residential cameras in the area. Investigators were hoping they would provide additional clues.

Police are questioning several witnesses but no suspects have been identified.