Philadelphia, PA – District Attorney Larry Krasner announced on Wednesday that a Philadelphia jury has convicted Kelechi J. Chibundu, born June 17, 1996, of third-degree murder and several related charges for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Melvin Hollimon on January 11, 2022, in the city’s Tioga section.
The incident occurred when Hollimon, along with other male witnesses, attempted to deescalate a domestic dispute between Chibundu and the mother of his children. The mother refused to allow Chibundu to visit the children because he was intoxicated. A physical altercation ensued between Hollimon and Chibundu. After losing the fight, Chibundu fled the scene but returned with a firearm, shooting Hollimon twice in the back as he and the other witnesses attempted to flee.
Investigators were able to arrest Chibundu on January 25, 2022, using video footage of the incident and a detailed description provided by a 9-1-1 operator. The jury deliberated for less than a day before delivering their verdict.
“I commend Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Palmer for the successful prosecution of Kelechi Chibundu,” said DA Krasner. “I also thank the jury for delivering a fair and just verdict in this case. Mr. Chibundu will be held accountable for his reckless disregard for human life.”
ADA Palmer highlighted the critical role of the 9-1-1 operator, who collected an unusually large amount of information about the incident, including the defendant’s name. “Their thoroughness played an essential role in the prosecution of this defendant,” Palmer said. He also thanked Philadelphia Police Detective Richard Bova for his excellent investigation.
Chibundu is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Glenn Bronson on September 19th.
