Ballistic tests reveal five guns were used in Lemon Hill shooting that injured 11 individuals, according to police reports.

Investigators are delving into a tragic shooting incident that unfolded at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park on the night of Memorial Day, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries. According to Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore, the incident involved five distinct firearms, which were discharged into a gathering of young people around 10:30 p.m. on May 29. The investigation has revealed that the shooters were situated near the Lemon Hill Mansion.

Ballistic tests have confirmed the use of multiple weapons, with officers recovering over 20 spent shell casings from the scene. Initial assertions by law enforcement indicated there were three shooters involved; however, further testing has clarified that more than one weapon was utilized in the assault. Among the firearms, at least one was reportedly equipped with a device known as a switch, which enhances the firearm’s firing rate, potentially mimicking a machine gun.

Analysis of social media footage taken during the incident depicts chaotic scenes, with crowds of individuals fleeing amidst the rapid gunfire. Philadelphia’s Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel described the sound of the gunfire as reminiscent of a war zone, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The victims of the shooting ranged in age from 15 to 23 years old. Among the deceased are 21-year-old Mikhail Bowers and 23-year-old Amya Devlin. Authorities have reported that the remaining victims, including a 23-year-old who suffered a head injury, are in stable condition.

As the investigation progresses, officials emphasize the need for further information. The absence of surveillance cameras in the vicinity of Lemon Hill has potentially hampered the investigative process. Vanore indicated that police have yet to recover any of the firearms used and have not identified any suspects.

With people affiliated with various cliques and gangs present in the park during the incident, police are still attempting to ascertain whether these affiliations relate to the motives behind the shooting. As one of the most significant gun violence incidents in the city in recent years, local officials, including Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, have condemned the shooting as a “heinous act of violence,” calling for community support in their ongoing investigative efforts.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to this tragic event, urging those with information to come forward to aid in bringing clarity to this troubling occurrence in Philadelphia.