Man charged with killing fleeing burglar
An ex-convict has been charged with shooting and killing a man armed with a gun and a crowbar who was caught trying to break into the suspect's home in Northeast Philadelphia, police said Thursday.
An ex-convict has been charged with shooting and killing a man armed with a gun and a crowbar who was caught trying to break into the suspect's home in Northeast Philadelphia, police said Thursday.
Darryl Gordon, 28, was found dead in the rear of a residence on the 6000 block of Ditman Street in Wissinoming around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Police said Gordon and another man were trying to force their way into the home when they were apparently surprised by resident Roberto Martinez, 29.
Gordon, who was armed with a .40-caliber handgun and a crowbar, and the other man tried to flee, but Martinez opened fire with a 9mm handgun, hitting Gordon in the head, police said.
Gordon, of the 2300 block of Lambert Street in North Philadelphia, was pronounced dead at the scene by medics at 12:43 p.m.
A subsequent search of Martinez's home yielded multiple packages of marijuana and more than $6,000 in cash, police said.
Martinez was arrested Wednesday and charged with murder, weapons violations, and drug offenses. He is not allowed to carry a weapon because he is a former convict, police said.
Martinez pleaded guilty in October 2005 to manufacturing, delivery or possession of drugs, and conspiracy, and was sentenced to three years' probation.
A police spokeswoman said Thursday that she did not know whether Gordon and the other man, whom police are trying to identify, were trying to rob Martinez of the drugs and cash in his home.
As to whether Martinez may have shot in self-defense, the spokeswoman said the investigation so far by homicide investigators appears to indicate otherwise.
Martinez is scheduled for a June 8 preliminary hearing.
215-854-2592 @julieshawphilly