Suspect sought Philadelphia sexual assaults, murder

KENSINGTON (WPVI) -- Police are asking the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted for two sexual assaults, one that turned deadly, in Kensington.

The first incident happened July 12 around 12:30 a.m. on the 3800 block of Jasper Street.

Police say a 24-year-old woman was approached from behind by a male riding on a blue and black Mountain bike.

The male grabbed the young woman and allegedly began choking her until she became unconscious.

When the victim regained consciousness, she was naked, and left in the rear of a property on Jasper.

She suffered with head and facial injuries. She was taken to Temple University Hospital in stable condition.

Another attack would happen just four days later; this time the victim was killed.

Just two miles away from where that sexual assault happened, 35-year-old Ricky Morgan was found covered in blood along a sidewalk. Friends and family have set up a memorial at the location in her memory.

Around 11:30 p.m. July 16th, police responded to reports of screams on the 2400 block of Jasper Street and found Morgan completely naked, covered in blood on the sidewalk with trauma to her face and torso. She died at the scene.

New surveillance video released Wednesday shows a man police believe may be behind both incidents.

"We're hoping that somebody may have seen this individual, may recognize this person even maybe from the neighborhood or may see him around and can provide us with some information or a tip that can lead to an arrest," Philadelphia Police Lt. John Stanford said.

The suspect is described as black male, possibly in his 30s, with a full mustache and beard. He was wearing a blue or gray colored jacket, a two-tone backpack (lighter colored on top and darker colored on the bottom), dark colored shorts, dark colored socks, dark colored high top sneakers with white soles, and a baseball cap with a V shaped logo and a sticker on the top of the bill. The male was riding a blue and black mountain bike with what appears to be a head light or reflector on the front.

"Until we have this person in custody, we won't rest," Stanford said.

If you have any information about this crime or suspect, please contact, Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3264/3265.