Laron ’L.J.’ Williams Jr. was 12 when he was killed on the afternoon of June 22, 2023, in East Germantown, Philadelphia. He had just left a neighbor’s house after getting lunch and was crossing the 700 block of East Locust Avenue to return to the family home when gunfire erupted. A man with a rifle exited a vehicle and fired at least 11 shots down the street.

Laron was struck multiple times in the back and collapsed on the steps of his home. His parents were with him until police arrived; he was taken to Einstein Medical Center and died shortly after. Two other men, 30-year-old Khalif Chambers of Germantown and 47-year-old Riley Darden of Norristown, were also killed. Authorities believe at least one of the adults was the intended target and that the shooting was related to an ongoing drug dispute.

As of late 2023, no arrests had been announced; police have asked the public for information and a substantial reward has been offered for tips leading to arrest and conviction. If anyone knew Laron or witnessed the shooting or the activity on East Locust Avenue that afternoon, please contact investigators with any information.