Three men stabbed, thrown into Schuylkill

Credit: Rikard Larma/Metro

Three men were tortured and thrown into the Schuylkill River early Wednesday, but only one made it out alive.

Homicide Capt. James Clark said a 23-year-old Asian man, who was stripped down to his underwear and covered in blood, approached police officers patrolling Martin Luther King Drive around 4 a.m.

Before the survivor was taken to the hospital he told police that he and his two friends were adducted by about five or six men. He said they were pushed into the back of van and taken to the scenic road where their eyes were covered, hands and feet were bound and were stabbed multiple times.

The two men’s throats were slit, and then all three were then dumped into the Schuylkill River.

While his two cohorts were anchored down, Clark said, the survivor wasn’t and floated to the surface. He then climbed out once the abductors fled and flagged down police.

Police pulled the other two bodies out of the water. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

“It’s one of the more barbaric murders that I’ve seen,” Clark said.

Clark said police are not exactly sure where the men were abducted from, but he said it’s believed they were all picked up from one location.

“The only thing I can tell you is that all three of the individuals were targeted and through our investigation we believe it is some type of drug nexus at the crux of this double homicide,” he said.

Regarding an Asian gang connection, Clark said it’s “Possible.”

Police are asking that anyone with information contact Homicide at 215-686-3334, or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.

A $20,000 reward is on the table for anyone who offers information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Follow Tommy Rowan on Twitter: @tommyrowan