Edward Swinton, 26, was fatally shot in Philadelphia on June 5, 2012. His death occurred amid a severe spike in the city’s gun violence that year: Philadelphia recorded 331 homicides in 2012, and 85.8% of those involved firearms. About 75.8% of homicides in the city that year happened outdoors, reflecting a broader pattern of deadly incidents in open settings.

City data from 2012 show arguments were the most common motive, making up 47.8% of homicides, with robbery and retaliation accounting for smaller shares. Swinton’s killing is described as part of that trend of interpersonal disputes escalating to deadly outcomes where illegal guns were frequently used. Community and police efforts to curb the violence were in place under Mayor Michael A. Nutter, but the year was one of several with rising homicide totals.

If anyone has information about Edward Swinton’s case or the circumstances of the shooting, please share what is known.