Investigators on Wednesday identified the suspected shooter wanted in connection with the killing of a teenager aboard a SEPTA bus over the weekend.
Police are attempting to locate Zayki Davis, 17, who they believe shot 15-year-old Zahkir Whitfield Saturday afternoon in West Philadelphia.
Authorities released Davis’ name and a photograph two days after distributing surveillance footage and images asking for the public’s help to identify four young men in relation to the shooting.
Whitfield, an Upper Darby High School sophomore, died after being shot in the chest just after 1 p.m. at 40th Street and Girard Avenue in Parkside.
The PPD believes he and the four other teens had been involved in an altercation at the back of a bus running along the path of the G trolley, formerly known as Route 15. One of the suspects — Davis, according to police — used the back door to step off the vehicle and fired a shot back inside that hit Whitfield. No one else was struck by the gunfire.
Detectives said three of the teens boarded the bus at Ridge and Girard avenues in North Philadelphia, and all four fled west on Girard after the incident.
No arrests had been reported when Metro went to print late Wednesday afternoon. Anyone with information about Davis or the shooting is asked to contact the PPD’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334/3335; call or text 215-686-TIPS (8477); or submit a tip online at phillypolice.com/forms/submit-a-tip.
Counseling, peer support, and victim advocacy services are available for victims, family members, and others affected by gun violence. Go to metrophiladelphia.com/gun-violence-resources for more information.
