Boy, 16, charged in Kingsessing murder

Kingsessing murder
Tahjeir Thompson
Philadelphia Police

A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder Wednesday for the fatal shooting of another 16-year-old boy last week in Kingessing, Philadelphia police said.

Tahjeir Thompson, who lives in the neighborhood, has been charged as an adult, and he is also accused of criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault and other offenses, according to authorities.

He allegedly shot Sincere Thomas in the head at around 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, near the corner of 54th and Willow streets, investigators said. Officers took Sincere to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he died the next day.

A 14-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the shooting. Police said he sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his body.

“There are far too many young people in our city who believe that the only way to settle a conflict is by using a gun,” Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement.

It was unclear Wednesday whether Tahjeir had obtained an attorney.