An assailant who gunned down an 88-year-old Air Force veteran in broad daylight as he sat behind the wheel of his parked car in Philadelphia remained unidentified on Wednesday, according to police.
Richard Butler, who was also a retired driver for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, was killed Tuesday after dropping off a friend at her home, police and the victim’s family said.
“Why? What is the why? This man did nothing to anyone and he gave to everyone,” Butler’s niece, Minette Finn, told ABC Philadelphia station WPVI, calling Butler “a brother to everyone.”
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The shooting occurred at 1:35 p.m. Tuesday as Butler sat in his white Hyundai in the Haddington neighborhood of West Philadelphia, according to a Philadelphia Police Department incident report.
Butler suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
A home security camera recorded a man, considered a suspect, getting out of a silver sedan and walking toward Butler’s car moments before the shooting, WPVI reported, citing police sources.
No weapons were recovered at the scene, according to the police incident report.
Butler had just dropped off his girlfriend at her home and was planning to meet her later for dinner when he was shot, family members told WPVI, saying it appeared that Butler was intentionally targeted.
“Broad daylight, he was out doing his normal routine. Goes to the park everyday, stops at Wawa,” Finn said of Butler. “In his car, defenseless. You waited for him. You waited for this man. This wasn’t a random act.”
Following Butler’s death, Finn posted a video of Butler dancing at a recent family function.
“If you met him, you loved him. That’s all I’m going to say,” Finn said. “Anyone in this neighborhood could tell you, probably he wore his heart on his sleeve and he gave to everyone.”
The city of Philadelphia was rocked by a tragic incident recently, as police are currently investigating the fatal shooting of an 88-year-old Air Force veteran. The victim, whose name has not been released to the public, was found dead in his home in the early hours of the morning.
According to reports, neighbors heard gunshots coming from the veteran’s residence and immediately called 911. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the elderly man had been shot multiple times. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are working tirelessly to piece together what led to this senseless act of violence.
The victim’s family and friends are devastated by the news, describing him as a kind and gentle soul who served his country with honor and dignity. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help others in need, making his untimely death even more heartbreaking for those who knew him.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The community is also rallying together to support the victim’s family during this difficult time, offering their condolences and assistance in any way they can.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk in our neighborhoods, and the importance of remaining vigilant and looking out for one another. The loss of a beloved member of the community has left a void that will never be filled, but by coming together and standing united against violence, we can honor his memory and work towards creating a safer and more peaceful society for all.
