The man suspected of fatally shooting off-duty Philadelphia Police Officer Alhassane Barry has spoken with investigators and turned over the gun believed used in the killing, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Thursday.
Barry, 29, was shot and killed after 3 a.m. Sunday outside an after-hours lounge on the 7200 block of Elmwood Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. A 35-year-old man was also struck and taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Suspect does not dispute firing the gun
Krasner said the suspected shooter provided the weapon through his attorney and has given his account of the incident.
“The shooter does not dispute that he had the gun, which he provided through his council, he does not dispute that he fired the gun. He has described his version of what happened at that time, some of which requires additional investigation.”
The gun is being tested to confirm it was the firearm used in the shooting. Krasner said those results should come within the next two months.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said evidence showed the suspect and victims were inside the lounge before the shooting. The three men exchanged words inside, and the verbal altercation continued as they moved outside. The confrontation turned physical, but all parties were quickly separated before the suspect opened fire, striking both victims.
Police previously released surveillance video of a suspect walking toward the lounge moments before the shooting and running away immediately after. Krasner said security footage from outside the building captures part of the incident but does not paint the whole picture.
Krasner vows crackdown on illegal speakeasies
During the Thursday press conference, Krasner vowed to shut down the speakeasy where Barry was killed along with any similar establishments in the city.
Showing photos taken by investigators, Krasner pointed out the building’s plain facade, its windows covered by plastic sheeting and reinforced with insulation and drywall to create makeshift soundproofing.
“We’re talking about something that’s bad for the neighborhood.”
Krasner revealed the building’s possible connection to another fatal incident weeks earlier. Investigators believe 29-year-old Talyia Bernice Nesmith was headed to the speakeasy in July when she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver moments after exiting a rideshare.
Neighbors have raised alarms about the lounge
Residents near the Elmwood Avenue building have voiced frustration about the establishment’s presence. Neighbor Shaquilla Vargas previously told FOX 29 about Nesmith’s death.
“The girl not even two weeks ago got killed crossing the street from a driver that was in a stolen car, and it’s like when are they going to stop this place?”
No charges have been announced. Krasner indicated additional investigation is needed before prosecutors make a charging decision.