Philadelphia, PA — District Attorney Larry Krasner, joined by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and members of the Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced charges against eight defendants involved in a series of violent incidents in North Philadelphia from 2021 to 2022.
The Thirty-Second Philadelphia County Investigating Grand Jury determined that Jamir Brunson-Gans, Dontae Sutton, Khalil Henry, Elijah Soto, Nakye Williams, Haneef Davis, Jahlil Williams, and Rahmeir Hayes are implicated in multiple homicides and non-fatal shootings. Seven of these defendants are associated with the ‘Big Naddy Gang’ (BNG) and one with the ‘Zoo Gang.’ All face charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and related firearm offenses.
The Grand Jury alleges that on September 29, 2021, Jahlil Williams, Sutton, Brunson-Gans, Soto, Nakye Williams, Henry, and Davis murdered a mother of two near 33rd and Diamond Streets, wounding two other women. This incident is believed to be a contract killing with mistaken targets.
Brunson-Gans, Soto, and Sutton are also implicated in a murder on September 6, 2021, on the 2200 block of West Huntingdon Street. Additionally, Brunson-Gans and Sutton are charged with the attempted murder of an individual on September 5, 2021, on the 3100 block of North Judson Street.
Soto, Sutton, Henry, and Hayes are alleged to have murdered another victim on September 18, 2021, on the 2900 block of West York Street. Nakye Williams and Davis are accused of a non-fatal shooting on October 10, 2021, on the 2600 block of North 22nd Street. Nakye Williams is also charged with killing an individual during a carjacking on January 2, 2022, near the 2500 block of North 28th Street.
“I commend the members of the Investigating Grand Jury, Gun Violence Task Force, Philadelphia Police Department, and ATF for their extensive and thorough investigation,” said DA Krasner. “This is a shining example of how cutting-edge forensics and committed police work can hold drivers of gun violence accountable. The residents of North Philadelphia can rest easier knowing these defendants are in custody and will be prosecuted vigorously.”
Commissioner Kevin Bethel added, “I commend Philadelphia Police Detective Tim Hartman for the phenomenal job he’s done along with all our law enforcement partners. The long-term impact of these arrests is significant, showing the people in the 22nd District that we see them, hear them, and care about them.”