28-year-old delivery driver killed in close-range shooting in North Philadelphia

A 28-year-old pizza delivery driver was fatally shot in the head after arriving at a vacant apartment in North Philadelphia to drop off an order, in what police say was a targeted and close-range attack.

According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, at the Raymond Rosen Homes along the 2300 block of Edgley Street. 

The driver had arrived to complete a delivery when he was shot outside the housing complex.

Officers responding to reports of gunfire found the man lying on the ground unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

“He was lying on the ground unresponsive, bleeding heavily with a gunshot wound to his head,” Small said.

The victim was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 1 a.m.

Investigators later discovered that the pizza order had been placed for a vacant apartment unit. 

Inside the residence, officers found three untouched pizza boxes and a bag, suggesting the delivery had been completed before the shooting occurred.

“From looking at the pizza boxes, we were able to identify the pizza shop,” Small said. Authorities later confirmed the driver worked for Pete’s Pizza.

Police also recovered three spent shell casings just inches from where the victim was found. 

According to Small, the proximity of the casings suggests the shooter or shooters were extremely close when the fatal shots were fired.

“Which is an indication that the shooter or shooters were standing very, very close to the victim,” he said.

The victim’s delivery vehicle was located nearby, still containing a pizza warmer.

Surveillance footage from Philadelphia Housing Authority cameras reportedly showed the delivery driver walking with the order while being followed by two individuals dressed in dark clothing, one of whom appeared to be carrying a backpack. 

However, the shooting itself was not captured on camera.

As of now, no arrests have been made. However, investigators say they are pursuing a key lead based on the phone number used to place the order.

“We do have the phone number that made that pizza delivery,” Small said.

The investigation remains ongoing.