On December 28, 2023, at about 1:30 p.m., Philadelphia Police responded to a shooting on the 1900 block of South 61st Street in Southwest Philadelphia. Officers found two people inside a white Chevy van; the driver, 28-year-old Jalonnie Gentry, had multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A 21-year-old man in the van was shot in the leg and treated; he was listed in stable condition.

Both Gentry and the surviving victim were enrolled in Philadelphia’s Group Violence Intervention program, which works with individuals at high risk of involvement in gun violence. No arrests have been announced, no suspects have been publicly identified, and authorities have not released a motive. The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating and asks anyone with information to call 215-686-TIPS (8477).

If anyone knew Jalonnie or saw activity on South 61st Street that afternoon, please come forward with what you remember.