Philadelphia police arrest killer who stuffed woman's body inside garbage can
Philadelphia Police

Philadelphia Police Arrest Killer Who Stuffed Woman’s Body Inside Garbage Can

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1 min read
February 27, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, P.A. — A woman found dead inside a garbage can last month has been identified, and a suspect is now in custody, police said.

Officers responded to the 700 block of North 47th Street at 9:42 a.m. on January 30 after receiving a report of a body on the highway. Upon arrival, they discovered a deceased individual later identified as 54-year-old Deborah Leatherberry, of the 6100 block of Wheeler Street.

Medic 9 pronounced her dead at 9:51 a.m. The medical examiner determined she died from a gunshot wound to the left temple.

Following an investigation, police identified a suspect, 61-year-old Ricardo Ponds of the 400 block of Lancaster Avenue. SEPTA officers arrested him without incident Tuesday evening at 15th and Market.

Ponds is facing charges including murder and violations of the Uniform Firearms Act.

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