(Newswire.net — March 24, 2015) Philadelphia, PA — Three teenagers age 15, after playing basketball in an alley, decided to rob someone that passed by because they needed some money, Philadelphia police officials said. Two high school freshmen were arrested in connection with the killing of a man walking his dog last week in Philadelphia’s Overbrook section, along the 6400 block of Woodcrest Avenue last Thursday night, NBC reported.
The third teenager, who allegedly pulled the trigger, is still on the loose, and considered armed and dangerous, said Philadelphia Homicide Captain James Clark. The two teens in police custody were known to officers from previous crimes. One of them was charged with robbery, but was only a witness to the murder, police said.
According to an NBC report, one of the teens in custody, Brendon Smith said that Tyfine Hamilton, fired the shot directly in the chest of James Patrick Stuhlman, who allegedly, begged Hamilton not to kill him.
“At one point he did plead for his life,” said Clark. “He said, ‘please don’t shoot me, please don’t shoot me,’ and they still shot him one time.”
According to the police, after playing basketball, the teens decided to rob someone. Initially, they targeted a different man walking his dog until they saw Stuhlman who was older and whose dog looked “weak.”
During a press conference, Clark left a message for the teen wanted for the murder, he said that he should get in touch with his parents and turn himself in before the police come and get him. “We know where you are,” Clark said into camera. Earlier Thursday, officials announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer.
Authorities said that Stuhlman took his dog for a walk every night with his daughter, however, that particular night he told her to stay at home because it was a little late. Upon arriving at the scene, the police found Stuhlman unresponsive, and the dog leash still in his hand, said Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker.
“The dog was lying next to him – appeared to be scared and in shock,” Walker said. “In his other hand he had a flashlight.”
He left behind his daughter, wife Theresa and six siblings. He was laid to rest Wednesday morning.