Cornell Warren, a 20-year-old Black man, was killed on September 23, 1978 in Philadelphia after being taken into custody for a traffic violation. While handcuffed with his hands behind his back, Warren attempted to flee and was shot by a white police officer, Thomas Bowe. Accounts of the encounter differ sharply.

Officer Bowe, a rookie, said his service revolver discharged accidentally during a struggle. Two eyewitnesses, however, testified that they saw Bowe kick Warren while he was on the ground and then shoot him in the head. Bowe was charged with third-degree murder; his trial ran in August 1979 and the jury acquitted him. Another officer was reportedly charged as well, but that case ended in a mistrial. The conflicting versions of the killing remain central to the case.

Anyone who knew Cornell Warren or witnessed the events that day, or who has information about the officers involved, is asked to come forward.