Tamika Walker

Tamika Walker was a 43-year-old Black woman and a beloved grandmother who lived in South Philadelphia. A man who knew her described her as an "excellent grandmother," adding that her death "really hurts." She resided on the 2100 block of Bailey Terrace, the same street where her life would be tragically taken.

On the evening of Monday, June 24, 2019, a burst of violence erupted outside a residence on Tamika's block. At approximately 9:51 p.m., Philadelphia Police officers responded to a chaotic scene where they discovered five people had been attacked. Neighbors heard chilling screams as the assault unfolded, leaving multiple victims shot and stabbed.

Tamika was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. First responders rushed her to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, but she did not survive her injuries. The violence that night also claimed the life of 24-year-old Raymond Canales. Three other victims survived the attack: a 59-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman who were also shot, and two other individuals who had been stabbed. All four were transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for treatment.

The community was left reeling from the loss. "There's no explanation for it, lives are lost for nothing, literally nothing," said Rafael Thomas, who knew Tamika. "Shows you the value of life, people don't care about it." Investigators began working to piece together the events of that night, but the case proved difficult.

To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the attack, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. As of September 2019, Tamika Walker's murder remains unsolved. The Philadelphia Police Department continues to ask for the public's help and urges anyone with information to contact them at 215-686-TIPS (8477).