Philadelphia Working Families Party organizer charged with killing girlfriend in a jealous rage, according to prosecutors.

In a tragic incident driven by allegations of jealousy, Sergio Hyland, a former organizer for Pennsylvania’s Working Families Party, has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Jasimane Ransom, whose body was discovered beneath an overpass in North Philadelphia last July. Prosecutors assert that Hyland shot Ransom in the back of the head following a confrontation related to her romantic relationships.

Testimonies during a preliminary hearing revealed that just two hours before Ransom’s death, another man who claimed to be romantically involved with her texted Hyland to inform him that he and Ransom had engaged in sexual relations the previous day. This message reportedly intensified an already volatile situation, prompting allegations of a jealous response from Hyland, who is 43 years old. The Assistant District Attorney, Josh Meyers, remarked that the evidence points toward a personal crime fueled by anger and jealousy.

Meyers presented various forms of incriminating evidence during the nearly two-hour hearing. This included testimonies from the last person to communicate with Ransom, cell phone records, and surveillance footage that allegedly places Hyland at the crime scene. Recorded phone calls, in which Hyland expressed concerns about potentially returning to prison, were also part of the prosecution’s case. The hearing established that Ransom was murdered early on July 11, 2024.

Hyland’s defense attorney, Shaka Johnson, criticized the prosecution’s evidence as circumstantial, arguing that it did not establish a clear motive or animosity between Hyland and Ransom. Johnson contended that there was no substantiated evidence of conflict between the two, despite Hyland’s previous criminal background, which includes over two decades in prison for unrelated offenses.

Hyland’s prior convictions include a guilty plea for the 2001 murder of a 15-year-old boy, Ajene Bright, as well as charges related to the 2002 death of Bryan Vertreace. Following his release from prison in February 2022, he became involved in local advocacy, portraying himself as a criminal justice consultant and community organizer focused on issues related to violence and conflict resolution.

The police investigation into Ransom’s murder extended for several months after her death, during which they interviewed friends and executed a search warrant at Hyland’s residence, recovering multiple firearms and ammunition. He is currently being held without bail at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility and faces charges that include murder and illegal possession of firearms.

Hyland’s arraignment is forthcoming, as this case draws significant attention given its implications for discussions surrounding criminal justice reform and the dynamics of personal relationships marred by violence.