Three men sentenced to life for deadly North Philadelphia playground ambush
Philadelphia, PA — Three men have been convicted and sentenced to life in prison for their roles in a brutal summer 2023 shooting that left three young men dead and another critically wounded at a North Philadelphia recreation center.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday announced the convictions of Tyyon Bates, 21, Quaza Lopez, 22, and Eric Reid, 23, for a coordinated shooting at the basketball courts at 8th and Diamond Streets. The ambush took place just after 6 p.m. on August 11, 2023, as families and children gathered at the public playground.
All three defendants were found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, multiple firearms violations, and four counts of reckless endangerment. On Monday, each was sentenced by Judge Glenn B. Bronson to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, followed by an additional 24 to 48 years.
The victims were identified as Nyreese Moore, Naasir Folk, and Isaiah Williams—all pronounced dead between the scene and the hospital. A fourth victim, Jeffrey Pressley, was critically injured after being shot in the abdomen.
Surveillance footage and digital evidence played a critical role in the investigation. A white Chevrolet Silverado—used as the getaway vehicle—was captured circling the playground four times before the shooting. Five suspects jumped out and opened fire on the crowded basketball court. The first shooter, later identified as Bates, was shot in the legs by friendly fire during the ambush.
Police later recovered the Silverado from a vacant lot on North 6th Street, which was used as a staging area. Surveillance video and cell phone records led investigators to identify all three suspects. That same night, Bates was dropped off at a hospital in New Jersey with gunshot wounds, linking him further to the scene.
All three men were ultimately tied to the crime through surveillance footage, cell phone data, and social media evidence. Authorities described the attack as a coordinated and premeditated shooting carried out in a public area filled with children.
Officials praised the work of Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope and law enforcement agencies who built the case.
Anyone with information on similar cases is urged to contact the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office or submit tips anonymously through local channels.
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Key Points
- Three men convicted of first-degree murder in 2023 triple homicide at North Philly playground
- Victims gunned down at basketball courts as children fled for safety
- Each defendant sentenced to three consecutive life terms with no parole
