Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — A 61-year-old woman was fatally shot while sitting on the porch of her North Philadelphia home with her husband after what had reportedly been a long day working on their new food truck business, according to police.
The shooting happened late on August 9, when Philadelphia officers responded to reports of a man with a gun at approximately 11:49 p.m.
When officers arrived, they found Michelle Wilson, 61, and her 67-year-old husband suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were rushed to a hospital. Wilson was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, while her husband remained hospitalized in stable condition.
Police Identify Suspect in Fatal Shooting
After investigating the shooting, detectives identified 35-year-old Shariff Perry as the suspect. Philadelphia police issued a warrant for Perry’s arrest on charges related to murder and weapons offenses.
Authorities have not said what may have led to the shooting or why Wilson and her husband were allegedly targeted.
Perry remained at large as police continued searching for him. Investigators are asking members of the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him.
Surveillance Video Captures Suspect
Police released surveillance footage as part of their investigation. One video reportedly shows a man walking along the street before pulling a gun from a bag and placing it inside his coat.
Another camera angle allegedly captured the same figure, along with flashes believed to be muzzle flashes from the shooting. Investigators also recovered approximately 20 shell casings at the scene that appeared to have come from a handgun.
News footage from the neighborhood showed multiple bullet holes on the outside of the Wilsons’ home, underscoring the intensity of the gunfire.
Couple Had Just Started Food Truck Business
Neighbors said the tragedy was particularly heartbreaking because Michelle and her husband had reportedly been working to build a new business together.
According to neighbor Aaron Lively, the couple had recently started a sandwich and taco food truck in the neighborhood.
Lively said he knew the Wilsons and had grown up with them.
“They were good friends of mine. It’s sad that it happened. They were hard-working people trying to make an honest dollar, selling their food. I grew up with them as kids. We all grew up together in the neighborhood,” he told.
The comments painted a picture of a couple who had spent years connected to the community and were working toward building something of their own.
$20,000 Reward Offered for Information
Philadelphia police are now offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to Perry’s arrest and conviction.
Investigators have not publicly released a motive, leaving unanswered questions about why the shooting occurred and whether Wilson or her husband had been specifically targeted.
Anyone with information about Perry’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or the department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Authorities said tips can be submitted anonymously.
As the search continues, Wilson’s family and neighbors are left mourning a woman who was reportedly trying to build a future through hard work and a new local business.
What do you think could have led to this tragic shooting? Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
