Dozens of cars vandalized near S. Phila murder scene

About 44 cars were damaged overnight, apparently with acid, in the same South Philadelphia neighborhood where a police van was posted following the shooting death of a 20-year-old man last week, officials said.

It is not clear if the incidents are in any way related.

Residents of the 200 and 300 blocks of Jackson Street discovered the damage this morning.

Paint had been stripped off the vehicles apparently by a substance thrown on them.

A police van has been posted on Jackson Street since Anthony DeMarco, who lived nearby on the 300 block of Ritner Street, was shot fatally late Wednesday during a robbery attempt.

DeMarco was walking with two friends on the 200 block of Jackson when they were approached by two men, one of whom brandished a gun and demanded money, police said. DeMarco grabbed at the weapon and wrestled the gunman to the ground.

The gunman tossed the handgun to his partner, who then fired multiple shots into DeMarco's back and stomach, police said.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334.