Prosecutors announced a new round of arrests tied to violent crimes across the city, saying the cases bring justice for 32 victims, including the youngest victim, who was 16 years old.

For the second time in three weeks, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office said it had made sweeping arrests connected to shootings, carjackings and a homicide dating back to 2022.

“It’s gonna make it easier for kids to play in the street, and grandparents to sit on their porches,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said.

Authorities said many of the crimes occurred in South Philadelphia and involved four feuding gangs. In the latest action, 21 people were charged in connection with multiple shootings, carjackings and one homicide.

Police said many of the suspects were already in custody after being indicted last year.

“The continued investigations of those initial shootings, which were committed in back-and-forth retaliation, revealed other targeted shootings,” said Adam Farraye, an assistant district attorney.

Investigators said they made two arrests connected to the murder of Aquill Foster on the 600 block of Ritner Street in June 2022.

Arrests were also announced in connection with a triple shooting on South 22nd Street in April 2023, as well as another triple shooting a month later on the 600 block of Oregon Avenue, where a couple was caught in the crossfire.

“I hope those who picked up the guns and committed these crimes enjoy their days in custody because they’ll be there for a while,” said William Fritze of the district attorney’s office gun violence task force.

The shootings occurred during a period when homicides and violent crime had reached record highs. Officials said the city is now seeing a record drop, with 20 homicides recorded so far this year – the lowest number to date in decades, something the district attorney called jaw-dropping.

“I hear people who live in other places who say our crimes don’t get solved. Well, they’re getting solved here,” Krasner said.

Authorities said several other people connected to the cases remain on the run.

The Philadelphia DA’s office identified the following 21 defendants and the charges they’re facing:

Maliek Robbins
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Conspiracy

Jayme Drayton
Murder

Marquan Flamer
Murder

Baahij Arthur
Attempted Murder

Atum El
Attempted Murder

Emmitt Hardee
Conspiracy to Commit Attempted Murder

Damar Holmes
Aggravated Assault

Rahmel Humphrey
Attempted Murder

Carl Jarett
Attempted Murder
Robbery
Theft by Unlawful Taking

Quadir Spady
Attempted Murder
Aggravated Assault

Elante Outerbridge
Attempted Murder
Robbery

Eli Simmons
Attempted Murder
Aggravated Assault
Robbery

Malik Sweets
Attempted Murder

Ivan Williams
Attempted Murder

Javon Fisher
Attempted Murder
Aggravated Assault
Robbery

Baseer Johnson
Attempted Murder
Robbery
Aggravated Assault

Aliaan Harris
Attempted Murder

Taaj Lennon
Aggravated Assault

Bryant Cumberbatch
Attempted Murder
Aggravated Assault

Samerah Pendleton
Conspiracy to Commit Attempted Murder