The 2000 block of Bellmore Avenue. Credit: Google
Two men were held for court on murder charges after a preliminary hearing today at which they were identified by a witness as participating in the murder of 21-year-old Alfred McRory in July 2013.
Bernard Ford, 24, and Terrence Johnson, 20, are both charged with McCrory’s murder. A third defendant, Spencer Hutchins, 25, is also charged but was not present for the hearing today.
A fourth suspect has not yet been arrested.
A witness testified today that he ran to his front door when he heard a gunshot around 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013 on the 2000 block of Bellmore Avenue in Kensington.
Outside his home, the witness said he saw McCrory, also a resident of the block and whom he knew as “DooDoo,” clutching his right side in pain and surrounded by four men who were talking to him.
The witness said that he opened his door and called “This doesn’t make sense!”
He said that Ford responded, “Get back in the house old head, this doesn’t concern you.”
After exchanging a few more words, Ford allegedly pulled his T-shirt up to his face and said “Get him,” at which point the other men, including Johnson, allegedly fired on McCrory, according to the witness.
Five more shots were discharged by Johnson and the other two men, but Ford did not shoot, the witness testified.
McCrory was killed by a bullet that pierced his torso and passed through his lung and heart, according to a medical examiner’s report.
He also had lacerations all over his skull and face, allegedly from being pistol-whipped prior to being shot to death.
McCrory’s murder took place during a violent weekend in which eight men were murdered in separate incidents.
Friends put up a memorial in the neighborhood in “Doodoo’s” honor.
____________________
Follow Sam Newhouse on Twitter: @scnewhouse
Follow Metro Philadelphia on Twitter: @metrophilly
Follow Metro Philadelphia on Facebook: Metro Philadelphia
