North Philadelphia gang hitman arrested in connection with three murders, according to law enforcement officials.
A man believed to be linked to three homicides, including the execution-style killing of a 16-year-old, has been apprehended in Delaware County. Tyvine “Blumberg Eerd” Jones, 25, was captured by U.S. marshals in an apartment at the Stratford Court complex in Lansdowne on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement officials. His arrest comes after a sustained effort where he was deemed one of Philadelphia’s most wanted fugitives. In October, authorities had publicized a reward of ,000 for information leading to his capture.
Eric Gartner, the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, highlighted the significance of Jones’ arrest, suggesting that his “unrestrained existence serves only to diminish our great city.” This incident reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Philadelphia residents amid rising concerns over violent crimes.
Jones is the prime suspect in three murders that occurred between 2020 and 2022, with the victims including Heyward Garrison, 16, Wesley Rodwell, 20, and Ryan Findley, 23. He is affiliated with the Blumberg gang, which federal prosecutors assert operates around the now-demolished Norman Blumberg Apartments on Oxford Street in North Philadelphia. Authorities have connected this gang to various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violent assaults.
Previous investigations have revealed that gang leaders, such as Edward Stinson, orchestrated extensive drug distribution networks, targeting vulnerable demographics including teenagers and single mothers. Stinson, among other members, faced convictions related to their drug operations, further exacerbating crime in the area.
Jones had previously collaborated musically with Anthony “Blumberg Geez” Watson, another associate, producing rap tracks that unsettlingly boasted about violent attacks on rivals. Investigators had also identified Watson as a suspect in Garrison’s murder, but he was killed in a separate incident after spending a year in hiding.
The timeline of the slayings suggests a troubling pattern of violence in Philadelphia. Garrison was shot multiple times in August 2020 in a parked vehicle, followed by Rodwell’s daylight shooting in May 2022, and subsequently, Findley’s murder in September 2022.
Law enforcement officials allege that Jones played a pivotal role in each of these killings, with Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark depicting him as emblematic of the most significant societal threats, indicating a profound disregard for human life. The capture of Jones marks a crucial development in a protracted effort to address gang-related violence in the city.
Media News Source emphasizes the importance of community safety and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in urban settings, prioritizing public security and the well-being of citizens.
