Suspected gunman in killing of off-duty Philadelphia officer turns over gun
A man police have identified as the shooter in the killing of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer at an illegal bar has turned over a gun through his lawyer and admitted firing it, but investigators have yet to charge him as the investigation continues, according to officials.
The shooting happened just before 4 a.m. on Aug. 16 outside Nipsey’s, a speakeasy near 72nd Street and Elmwood Avenue in southwest Philadelphia. The off-duty officer, identified as Alhassane Barry, was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at about 8 a.m.
At a press briefing Thursday, District Attorney Larry Krasner said the suspected shooter has given his account of what happened to Philadelphia police and the chief of the district attorney’s homicide unit.
Detectives believe they have properly identified the shooter but are still investigating parts of his version of events, Krasner said.
“The shooter does not dispute that he had the gun, which he provided through his counsel,” Krasner said. “He does not dispute that he fired the gun.”
The gun will undergo forensic testing to determine whether it matches shell casings and projectiles recovered at the scene. Krasner said investigators are also awaiting the results of medical testing.
Officer Barry, the suspected shooter and a third person were together immediately before the shooting, Krasner said. Two people suffered gunshot wounds, including Barry, while the other injured person remains in treatment.
Investigators have not determined why the officer was at the speakeasy or what led to the shooting. Krasner said the case may not be concluded within two months, but investigators expect to know substantially more by then.
The district attorney’s office has also filed court papers seeking to close Nipsey’s, which Krasner described as an illegal liquor establishment and hookah bar. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2 in Philadelphia City Hall, where the owner will have an opportunity to respond.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
