Tyrone Poaches, 21, was killed on June 18, 2008, in West Philadelphia after an incident that began at a schoolyard playground on the 4900 block of Parrish Street. He and his friend Tyrone Hill had driven there when a fight broke out between Hill and another man. A third man, Troy Headen, allegedly produced a 9mm firearm and shot Hill multiple times; Poaches was present and became a witness to the shooting.

At trial, Poaches’ testimony was pivotal but problematic. He appeared uncooperative and contradicted statements he had given to police, leading the prosecution to declare him a hostile witness. The defense used those inconsistencies to challenge his credibility, undermining the case against Headen. The incident and trial underscore the difficulties of prosecuting violent crimes when witnesses are reluctant or inconsistent.

Did anyone in the neighborhood at the time see what happened at the playground or know more about Poaches, Hill, or Headen?