Police say 'gun battle' in West Philadelphia that killed 3 people and wounded 6 started as an argument

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — City officials said Monday that an argument escalated into gunfire at a party in West Philadelphia early Sunday morning, leaving three people dead and six people wounded.

More than 100 people had gathered for a block party on Alden Street, near Girard Avenue, on Saturday night. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says video from overnight shows a fight break out in the early hours of Sunday morning, and then rapidly escalate into a gun battle.

“The majority of the incidents that we have today that result in homicides start with an argument. That is the majority,” Bethel said. “We used to fight it. Now we pull out weapons.”

Bethel said three guns were recovered — two at the scene and one at the hospital — and that all of the bullets found at the scene match those guns. Investigators say almost 40 rounds were fired.

A 33-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, and two other men, ages 23 and 29, died at the hospital early Sunday. A 26-year-old woman, and five men ranging in age from 27 to 30 are all in stable condition at area hospitals.

Police sources say the two people who started shooting at each other were killed. Police have not identified any of the gunmen or victims, but Bethel said two of the deceased were brothers. He declined to say what started the fight, but police sources say it appears to have been over drugs.

Police encourage anyone with information to send an anonymous tip via text or phone to 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Mayor Cherelle Parker on Monday likened the incident to “a wild, Wild West-like culture.”

“It is never okay for people to come into a neighborhood block party and pull out a gun and just start shooting each other,” she said.

Parker said she wants people to be able to socialize, but she urged them to go through the standard processes for such gatherings. She said if block party organizers had obtained a permit from the city ahead of the event, police would have been better able to prepare for a large community gathering.

“We can’t make good on our promise to you if you won’t follow the process that’s established," she said.

Parker pledged to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

“It is not acceptable to put an entire neighborhood at risk like this,” she said.