Police ID two slain in botched W. Philly robbery

The two men gunned down during a violent West Philly robbery last week have been indentified.

Deree Walker, 22, and Gregory Pharr, 25, died following a gunbattle that broke out after Walker and another, unidentified 22-year-old allegedly tried to rob Pharr and his 27-year-old friend, police said.

The 27-year-old, who also remains unidentified, was walking with Pharr to Pharr's home on 58th Street near Media on Thursday, police said.

The two men, longtime friends, had just gotten off the SEPTA trolley at a nearby stop about 10:30 p.m. and were looking to unwind after the workday, police sources said.

As they approached the intersection of Media and Conestoga streets, less than a mile from Pharr's house, the two were approached from behind by Walker and his accomplice, who allegedly announced a robbery.

The unidentified robber pointed a .40 caliber handgun at Pharr and his friend, the latter of whom was carrying his own, permitted .40 caliber handgun, sources said.

Shots rang out, and in the wake of the violence, both robbers and Pharr had been injured. Walker collapsed in the street, shot in his stomach, and was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center by police. He was pronounced dead there about two hours later.

His partner fled after the shooting, tossing his weapon as he ran, but collapsed in the yard of a nearby house. Police found him there, bleeding from a wound to his chest, and also took him to Penn Presbyterian. He remains there in critical condition, police said.

Meanwhile, Pharr had been shot in his stomach, and was also taken to Penn Prebyternain. He was pronounced dead there shortly after Walker.

No charges have been filed in the case as police continue their investigation. Both weapons used in the attack were recovered at the scene.