In the early morning hours of November 22, 2023, 42-year-old Laura Abrams was found shot in the head and unresponsive on a North Philadelphia sidewalk near the intersection of North 7th and West Norris streets. Discovery came about 5:30 a.m. next to a church in what residents described as a quiet neighborhood. A single spent shell casing from a semi-automatic weapon was recovered nearby; the scene and family accounts indicate the fatal shot was fired at close range.

Abrams was on her way home from work and is described by her children as a devoted mother of two, a woman of deep faith and strong work ethic who never stopped smiling. Her son said the family believes the shooting may have been a botched robbery. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been announced. Police have been canvassing for evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Her family held a memorial service and set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses and support her children.

If anyone was in the North 7th and West Norris area around 5:30 a.m. on November 22, 2023, or has dashcam or doorbell footage, please share what you know.