West Philly teens embroiled in feud face trial, shedding light on their transformation from brothers to adversaries.

In the years leading up to 2021, West Philadelphia witnessed a disheartening transformation among a group of young men who transitioned from childhood friends to adversaries embroiled in a violent gang feud. Known as the “Get Chicken Gang,” or GCG, their camaraderie began in the early to mid-2010s, characterized by innocent activities such as riding bikes and playing basketball. However, a series of disputes ultimately splintered the group and birthed various sub-gangs within their neighborhood, igniting a two-year-long escalation of violence that police described as a pervasive gang conflict amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent trial regarding the homicide of 22-year-old Joseph Johnson highlighted the complexities of this conflict. Prosecutors have indicated that Johnson, affiliated with the Young Bag Chasers (YBC), was killed in September 2021 by Walter Kegler, a member of the opposing faction from 38th Street. The trial revealed insights into the deterioration of relationships that spiraled into violence, driven partly by the burgeoning influence of drill rap and social media.

The gun violence crisis in Philadelphia was particularly acute at this time, with neighborhoods like Kegler’s suffering from resource depletion and increasing gang warfare. Lieutenant Edwin Perez, a patrol officer in the area, described the feud as characterized by back-and-forth retaliations that gained momentum after personal slights intensified tensions. The divide escalated significantly when a YBC member insulted a 38th Street affiliate’s family, leading to a series of violent confrontations and subsequent shootings, further entrenching hostilities.

As the trial unfolded, it revealed troubling details about Johnson’s life. After a troubled youth marked by a gunpoint carjacking in 2016, he had emerged as a prominent figure among the local youth. However, his past seemingly caught up to him, leading to a tragic end. On September 22, 2021, Johnson was shot multiple times in a brazen attack on the steps of his residence. Video evidence from a nearby Ring camera ultimately implicated Kegler, showcasing undeniable similarities in his attire related to prior incidents of violence.

Notably, in the aftermath of the shooting, Kegler’s online activity appeared to mock Johnson’s death, which prosecutors cited as evidence of his guilt. The trial included testimony from Kegler himself, who denied any wrongdoing and proclaimed his innocence, insisting that despite his connections to the area, he did not belong to a gang.

Following approximately five hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Kegler on multiple counts, including first-degree murder and conspiracy. The sentencing, delivered by Common Pleas Court Judge Roxanne Covington