MOM OF 4 SHOT DOWN IN SW PHILLY

DOZENS OF police cruisers blocked off a Southwest Philadelphia block yesterday afternoon as grief-stricken family members huddled behind crime-scene tape that marked where a 39-year-old mother of four had been gunned down.

Investigators were trying to piece together the chain of events that led to the death of the woman in a daylight shootout that also left three others wounded.

Police said the drama started about 4:30 p.m. on Pentridge Street near 58th.

"There was an argument that started yesterday or earlier in the day today that resurfaced," Homicide Capt. Mike Costello said at the scene.

"There was then a physical confrontation that started out on the street this afternoon," Costello added.

Cops said the woman had been shot in the back of the head and pronounced dead at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania shortly after 5 p.m.

Police weren't able to release the woman's name, but a woman at the scene who claimed to be the victim's aunt identified her as Yvonne Myrich.

A 19-year-old was shot in the leg and taken to Mercy Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

A man in his 30s was shot in the chest and taken to HUP, where he was listed in extremely critical condition.

A 17-year-old male was shot in the left arm and rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed in stable condition.

The latest scene took place in the neighborhood where Mayor Street recently pledged extra police attention in the war on crime.

"A really good friend is gone . . . she struggled a long way to get to where she is today," said a neighbor and friend of the slain woman, who would identify himself only as "Fat Boy."

"She's gone for no reason at all. It just needs to stop!" he yelled, visibly shaken and distraught at the news of Myrich's passing.

Known around the neighborhood as "Piggy," the 39-year-old woman was regarded as an all-around good person - sweet, caring, and a good mother, neighbors said.

As crime-scene investigators arrived to look for evidence, the shock continued to radiate among the bystanders.

Another woman, who identified herself as Myrich's aunt, nearly collapsed as she talked to investigators.

"I'm in a state of true shock right now," said another friend of the slain woman, who gave her name as Lisa. "This woman was my very good friend, and she's gone. There's nothing that is going to bring her back and it's awful, it's just awful." *