Michelle Wilson, 61, was shot and killed while sitting on her porch with her husband in a North Philadelphia neighborhood on Aug. 9, police said. The couple had just finished a long day working at their newly launched sandwich and taco food truck when they were ambushed by gunfire that left Wilson dead and her 67-year-old husband hospitalized in stable condition.
Background
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, officers responded to reports of a man with a gun in the area around 11:49 p.m. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found both Wilson and her husband suffering from gunshot wounds on the porch of their home. Emergency responders rushed both victims to a local hospital, where Wilson was pronounced dead minutes after midnight.
The Wilsons were relatively new business owners in the neighborhood, having recently launched a sandwich and taco food truck venture. Neighbors described them as hard-working individuals trying to make an honest living selling food in the community they had known their entire lives.
The Investigation
Philadelphia police identified 35-year-old Shariff Perry as a suspect in Wilson's killing and have issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of murder and weapons-related offenses. Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Perry's arrest and conviction.
Investigators shared surveillance footage showing a man walking down the street, pulling a gun from a bag, and placing it inside his coat. Another video captured what appeared to be the same individual along with flashes of gunfire. Police recovered approximately 20 shell casings at the scene that they believe came from a handgun. Bullet holes were visible on the exterior of the Wilson home.
Detectives have not released a possible motive for why Perry allegedly targeted the couple or killed Wilson.
Key Takeaways
- Michelle Wilson, 61, was fatally shot while sitting on her porch with her husband in North Philadelphia on Aug. 9
- Shariff Perry, 35, is still at large and wanted for murder and weapons charges
- Police are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction
- The couple had recently started a sandwich and taco food truck business in their neighborhood
- Wilson's husband, 67, remains hospitalized in stable condition after being shot
What's Next
Police are asking anyone with information about Perry's whereabouts to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or the tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wilson's death and search for the suspect.