Christine Yvette Whitaker was 56 and known as a devoted mother and community helper who celebrated 23 years drug-free and worked with Job Corps and local food and clothing drives. After reuniting with family in Northwest Philadelphia she opened her home to young women in need and was described as caring and witty.

On the afternoon of February 21, 2022, Whitaker was found in the basement of her Mayland Street home in East Germantown with multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to the hospital and died of her injuries the following day. Authorities later arrested 45-year-old Sadheim Edens, the son of a friend; reports say Edens’ mother and Whitaker were domestic partners. Charges were filed by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office and updated after her death.

Does anyone who knew Christine or her work in the neighborhood have information that could help clarify what happened that day?