Philadelphia gun violence crisis claimed more than 90 percent of deaths; Surpasses 500 Homicides for...

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December 28, 2022

Philadelphia gun violence crisis claimed more than 90 percent of deaths; Surpasses 500 Homicides for the Second Year in a Row

Less than a week before Christmas, Philadelphia recorded its 500th homicide of 2022, marking the second year in a row that the city has reached this deadly milestone.

While this year’s murder toll will likely not surpass 2021’s record 562 killings, no one is celebrating the modest decline; 2022 is on pace to mark the second deadliest year in the city’s history.

The gun violence crisis also included more than 1,770 nonfatal shootings citywide this year. In response to the bloodshed, on December 20, Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw held a news conference in City Hall to announce that 100 police officers will be deployed to the four highest-crime police districts in the new year. Those districts, in Kensington, North Philadelphia, and Germantown, account for 43 percent of gun violence citywide, they said.

“As we enter this holiday season I can’t help but think of all the incredible potential that has been extinguished by this loss of life,” Kenney said. “It is unconscionable that so many lives are lost to the scourge of violence, nearly 90 percent of which are at the hands of someone with a gun.”

More than 90 percent of this year’s fatal shooting victims were male, 79 percent were Black, and 48 percent were between the ages of 18 and 30, according to the Office of the City Controller. Six percent were younger than 18.

Those killed include Ikeem Johnson, 35, a sanitation employee for the city Streets Department who was fatally shot on the morning of November 18 while on his trash collection route; Tiffany Fletcher, 41, a city Parks and Recreation employee who was caught in the crossfire as teenagers exchanged shots at the West Philadelphia center where she worked on September 9; and Wendy Feldman, 59, who was killed on December 7 by her estranged husband — who then fatally shot himself — behind the hair salon she owned in Chestnut Hill.

Two police districts in North Philadelphia, one in Kensington and North Philly, and one in Germantown will receive the additional officers. Kenney called it the department’s largest redeployment in recent years and a “bold new step to help those who need it the most.”

Officers heading to the four districts will not be pulled from other patrol areas, but instead include a mix of new hires and those now assigned to administrative duties, police officials said. The four districts are among 45 high-crime “hotspots” that have received increased police attention since 2017.

More enhancements, including greater collaboration with federal and state law enforcement partners, will come to all 45 of those areas, said Outlaw.

The Police Department will also maintain some existing violence prevention initiatives in the new year, including its nonfatal shooting investigation unit. Launched January 31, the unit has made 420 arrests citywide, an improvement over the 235 arrests made for nonfatal shootings last year. The department will also continue to train and equip officers with Tasers, with 3,100 now having the nonlethal weapons, Outlaw said — a tactic that emerged in response to the October 2020 police fatal shooting of a mentally ill man who was brandishing a knife.

Outlaw said that reorganizing investigations of homicides and nonfatal shootings, as well as issuing mobile phones to officers and detectives, improved information sharing, resulting in the 7 percent decrease in homicides and 1 percent drop in nonfatal shootings this year.

“I just want to be clear that we understand what we are seeing is still entirely unacceptable, as the mayor mentioned, and that our work is far from done,” the commissioner said.

Historically, Philadelphia has suffered from chronically high levels of poverty and violence, both drivers of the city’s gun violence, said District Attorney Larry Krasner, who did not attend the mayor’s news conference.

Krasner said he believes the slight drop in killings is linked in part to the ending of COVID-19 shutdown restrictions, which led to normalcy returning to schools, organized sports programs, employment opportunities, and the court system. “Their being open is a constructive force in society,” he said. “It tends to prevent crime.”

Kenney attributed the slight decrease in homicides to Police Department reforms, city-funded community intervention programs, and officers taking more than 6,000 guns off the streets. “I do believe that the efforts that we are making, and will continue to make and expand, will continue to drive that curve down,” he said.

But Temple University Criminal Justice Professor Jason Gravel cautioned that the decline could be tenuous. “Less is always better, but when you look at what the comparison point is — the highest one in history — we’re not out of the woods yet” he said. “This could be simply a statistical artifact.”

Outside City Hall, amid crowds on amusement park rides and Christmas Village stands, a small group of community activists gathered to mark the 500th homicide and to rail against what they called city officials’ inadequate response to the bloodshed. “Why did they have to wait until the end of the year to announce what they’re going to do next year? Why didn’t they implement it already?” asked Jamal Johnson, founder of the annual Stop Killing Us march to Washington, D.C., to lobby lawmakers to help the city combat gun violence.

Ron Hall, of the Black Male Community Council of Philadelphia, said he regretted that more people did not turn out for the protest, given how acutely gun violence is affecting the city’s Black residents. “I can’t go to sleep at night knowing that I haven’t done anything,” he said. “I got kids. I got grandkids. I’m trying to instill that in them.”

Trash Media Group reached out to local law enforcement but we're unavailable to comment.

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March 11, 2025

Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after protest for patient rights

Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after she caused them to lose their home healthcare Medicaid program. Hochul is dismantling the home healthcare CDPAP program which will cause tens of thousands of disabled and elderly New Yorkers to lose their benefits, healthcare aides, and many forced to move to assisted living facilities.

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February 26, 2025

Former Mayor Under Scrutiny For Asking For Ride

In December 2024, a video surfaced showing former Watertown Mayor Jeffrey Smith receiving a ride home in a police patrol car after a night of holiday drinking. The incident has sparked controversy, with City Councilman Cliff Olney accusing Smith of receiving "preferential treatment" from the Watertown Police Department.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media this week, depicts Smith interacting with officers before being escorted into the patrol car. Councilman Olney contends that such actions undermine public trust and suggest a double standard in law enforcement practices.

In response, Smith has downplayed the incident, stating, "It's not a big deal, I drive on a suspended registration too!" This remark has further fueled the debate, with critics arguing that it reflects a dismissive attitude toward legal obligations and public safety.

The Watertown Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. As discussions continue, the incident ...

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May 18, 2024

Homestead Florida Couple Arrested For First Degree Murder & Child Abuse

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June 05, 2025

Police Blotter - Jefferson County 6/4/25

Watertown City Police Department – Daily Arrest Log
Date: June 4, 2025

Gary Amos Collins, 47, of 111 N Rutland St, Watertown, NY, was arrested at 8:09 a.m. on June 3, 2025, and charged with Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree, a class A misdemeanor. Collins allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection issued by Jefferson County Family Court by entering the residence of the protected party. He was processed and held for arraignment in Watertown City Court.

Luke Allen Bohn, 35, of 896 S Massey St, Watertown, NY, was arrested at 11:32 p.m. on June 3, 2025, and charged with:

Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree
Both are class A misdemeanors. Bohn is accused of unlawfully entering and remaining at a residence on Bronson St after being repeatedly told to leave and was also found in possession of nine Clonazepam pills. He was held pending arraignment.

William Nathan Monroe III, 26, of Paterson, NJ, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. on June 4, 2025, and...

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

April 29, 2025

City of Watertown - Police Blotter 4/29/25

Justin David Childers (37) 355 Keyes Ave - Childers was arrested by police for two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree degree. Police report state that he did knowingly and intentionally kick an interior bedroom door causing the door to break. Police stay he also with the intent to harass annoy or alarm another person did knowingly grab the victim by her clothing while she attempted to get away from the defendant during a domestic incident. When police arrived he did knowingly unintentionally push a uniformed officer during a criminal investigation. When placed under arrest he tensed his arms and refused to provide his hands for handcuffing. While police attempted to process Mr Childers he refused to provide fingerprints or photographs for his arrest processing. He was held pending his arraignment to City Court.

Chaniece Kaya Saintival (33) 246 Central St. - ...

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

April 15, 2025

Police Blotter - City of Watertown 4/25/25

Andrea Ann Brozzo (40) 409 Academy St - Brozzo was arrested on the 500 block of Clay Street in the city on an executive bench warrant for Jefferson County family Court. The defendant was transported to PSB, processed, and turned over to the Jefferson County sheriff's office.

Elvin Brandon Nieves (33) 25791 NYS RT 37 Apt#109 - Nieves is charged by police with public lewdness in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled substance in the Seventh degree. Police report state that the defendant exposed his genitals to a female victim as well as a 3-year-old juvenile and did intentionally stroke his genitals while speaking to another victim at Holy Family Church located at 129 Winthrop Street. The defendant was also previously convicted of public lewdness on 04/03/2025. He was arrested on the above charges and transported to PSB where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket for Watertown city court with a date of 04/28/2025 at9:00 am.

Trash Media Group @atticustrash

June 30, 2025

Jefferson County Police Blotter 06/30/25

Watertown City Police Blotter - June 30th 2025

Lynn Marie Youmans, 25, of 177 Mechanic St #3, Watertown, was arrested on June 28 at 10:59 a.m. at her residence. She was charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating a stay-away order of protection issued by Judge Doheny. Police say she contacted the protected party via phone and text, knowingly disobeying the court mandate. Youmans was processed and released with an appearance ticket returnable to city court.

Michael William Miller, 53, of 23680 County Rd 59, Dexter, was arrested on a warrant June 28 following two separate incidents from May 11 where he allegedly violated a court-issued order of protection. Police say Miller attempted to speak to and later emailed the protected party in violation of Judge Doheny’s stay-away order. He was processed and given a court date.

Kara Lea Garnsey, 30, of 328 Flower Ave E (Upper), Watertown, was arrested June 28 at 3:58 p.m. at Dollar General, 144 Eastern Blvd. She was charged with petit larceny, accused of stealing 32 Red Bull energy drinks by concealing them in a handbag and leaving without paying. Garnsey was processed and issued an appearance ticket.

Lewis Wayne Palladino, 54, of 630 E Main St, Watertown, was arrested June 29 at 9:02 a.m. He faces two counts of petit larceny after allegedly taking milk crates from Kinney Drugs, 905 Coffeen St, without attempting to pay. Palladino was released with an appearance ticket.

Ricky Hans Pierce, 56, of 522 Emerson St, Watertown, was arrested June 29 at 9:11 a.m. at 7-Eleven, 430 Factory St. He was charged with petit larceny. Police allege he allowed a passenger to load three stolen cases of Red Bull into his vehicle and drove away. He was released pending a court appearance.

Tyrone Laville Hale, 53, of 630 E Main St Apt 2, Watertown, was arrested June 29 at 8:16 a.m. and charged with petit larceny. Police say he stole three milk crates from Kinney Drugs, 905 Coffeen St. Hale was processed and released with a court date.

Joshua Scott Alexander, 41, homeless, was arrested June 29 at 9:11 a.m. at 7-Eleven, 430 Factory St. He was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing three cases of Red Bull and fleeing without payment. He was processed and released with an appearance ticket.

Rodrick Deon Jenkins, 38, of 5214 Wyoming Ave, Watertown, was arrested June 28 on a bench warrant for two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) 2nd. He was held for arraignment.

Erik Allan Massey, 38, of 308 Creekwood Dr Apt 5, Watertown, was arrested June 28 at 12:34 a.m. and charged with trespassing. Police say he remained unlawfully at a residence on Creekwood Dr after being asked repeatedly to leave. He was processed and released with a ticket.

Dale Lee Tipton, 39, homeless, was arrested June 29 at 12:05 a.m. at 400 Washington St and charged with disorderly conduct. Police say Tipton was involved in a domestic incident and shoved another individual. He was issued a court appearance ticket.

New York State Police – Troop D Blotter
Public Activity Report: June 22–23, 2025

Ashley M. Fielder, 37, of Williamstown, and Amanda J. Graham, 42, of Pulaski, were arrested June 22 at 7:38 p.m. in the Town of Granby and charged with petit larceny. Troopers allege the two stole property from a building. Both were issued appearance tickets and released pending court dates.

Lindsey E. Davis, 33, of Sterling, and Kaylin K. Buscemi, 31, of Fulton, were involved in a personal injury motor vehicle crash June 22 at 12:34 p.m. in the Village of Hannibal. One person was transported for medical evaluation. The investigation was closed at the scene.

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Trash Media Group @atticustrash

June 27, 2025

Jefferson County Police Blotter 06/27/25

Watertown City Police Blotter June 27th 2025

Jade Marie Cooper (26) 643 Mundy St Apt# Lower - Cooper was pulled over on the 500 block of Lansing St. by city police and charged with Aggravate Unlicensed Operation & Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign. She was arrested, processed on scene and released with two appearance tickets for Watertown City Court. on 07/16/25.

Chris- Andre, St. George-Rowe (26) 21855 Oak Pointe Ln - Rowe was stopped by city police and charged with Unsafe Lane Change, Unsafe Passing on the Left, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Red Light Violation, & Failure to Use Designated Lane. Reports state that Rowe did recklessly and unlawfully operate a 2023 BMW at approximately 103 miles per hour in a marked 30 mile an hour speed zone, and created substantial risk of death to all others on the roadway. Rowe also did cause injury to another motor vehicle operator who suffered fractured ribs, fractured tibia, and lacerations to the spleen. Rowe turned himself into PSB where he was processed and held pending arraignment.

Joseph Lee Doyle (21) 515 Bradley St Apt# 2 - Doyle is charged by police with Assault in the Third Degree. Police reports state that Doyle did strike a victim in the face, during a domestic incident, resulting in a laceration to the victims face. He was transported to PSB and held pending his arraignment to city court.

Amber Lee Burns (34) Homeless - Burns is charged by Police with Making Graffiti. Reports state that she did intentionally graffiti over the parking garage of 146 Arsenal St with driveway sealant without permission from the owner. She was arrested and transported to PSB, where she was processed and released with an appearance ticket for city court on 07/09/25.

Davis Joseph Parkis (59) Homeless - Parkis was stopped on the 100 block of High St and taken into custody on an Bench Warrant for the underlying charge listed as camping and fires prohibited. He was transported to PSB and held pending his arraignment in city court.

Althea Gracie Hilton (23) 147 Maple St Black River, NY - Hilton is charged with Crimial Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. Reports state that at the time of her traffic stop, she was found in possession of approximately 32 glassine envelopes with a white power substance that tested positive for fentanyl. He was arrested, transported to PSB and released with an appearance ticket.

Devin Rose Crislip (28) 1011 Academy St - Crislip is charged with Exposure of a person. Reports say that Crilip did appear in a public place in such a manner that her intimate parts were unclothed and exposed as she was nude from the waist down. She was arrested and transported to PSB, where she was released with an appearance ticked for city court on -7/08/25.

NYSP Troop D Zone 3

Reporting Period: 7:01 AM June 25 – 7:00 AM June 26, 2025

Carthage

June 26, 5:49 AM – Troopers responded to an incident. Investigation ongoing.
June 25, 1:26 PM – Vehicle fire reported on Rutland Street. Scene cleared.
June 25, 1:21 PM – Report of a suspicious person. Cleared without incident.

Watertown

June 25, 10:32 AM – Larceny reported. Case under investigation.
June 25, 10:45 AM – Burglary alarm triggered. Determined to be unfounded.
June 25, 11:22 AM – Disabled vehicle reported. Driver assisted.
June 25, 10:48 PM – Suspicious vehicle reported in Hounsfield. No action necessary.

Le Ray

June 25, 12:04 PM – Report of gunshots fired. Area checked and incident cleared.

Richland

June 25, 11:30 AM – Theft reported. Investigation active.

Redfield

June 25, 1:00 PM – Larceny case opened. Investigation ongoing.

West Monroe

June 25, 11:46 AM – Disabled vehicle along highway. Motorist assisted.

Pamelia

June 26, 2:01 AM – Troopers assisted another agency. Call cleared.

Arrests

Watertown – June 25, 12:12 PM

Joseph L. Raible, 25, of Black River, was arrested and charged with felony grand larceny (credit card theft) and criminal contempt (2nd degree).

Thomas A. Rathbun, 44, of Phoenix, was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon (3rd degree) and menacing (2nd degree) following an incident involving threats.

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Trash Media Group @atticustrash

June 23, 2025

Thirteen Busted in Major Drug Ring Stretching Across Northern New York

Feds Say Network Moved Cocaine, Fentanyl Across County Lines

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