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Pregnant woman shot dead while unpacking her own baby shower gifts in Philadelphia

Police
Posted at 6:13 PM, Nov 21, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-21 19:27:24-05

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A pregnant woman unloading presents from her own baby shower in northeast Philadelphia was confronted by someone who shot and killed her and her unborn child, police said.

The 32-year-old woman, who was seven months pregnant, was hit in the head and stomach shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the Lawncrest neighborhood, police said.

She was taken to Einstein Medical Center and pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday. Her unborn child was pronounced dead at 9:15 Sunday morning, police said.

“The person who did this couldn’t be more cowardly,” Deputy Commissioner Christine Coulter said at the scene, WPVI-TV reported. Asked what authorities can do about the continuing violence, she said “We can’t stop people who are intent on shooting somebody. When I look at this situation, it looks like someone was targeting her.”

No arrests were immediately announced. Police said they don’t know how many people were involved or what the motive might have been.

Mayor Jim Kenney on Sunday called the slaying “deeply upsetting and heartbreaking.” He said the city is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.