Philadelphia

Community Organizer Found Shot to Death Inside West Philadelphia Home

Winnie Harris was the acting executive director and volunteer coordinator for UC Green, a program that provides maintenance to around 500 trees and public spaces throughout Philadelphia.

Friends and family are mourning a community organizer who was found shot to death inside her West Philadelphia home Friday night.

Winifred “Winnie” Harris, 65, was found unresponsive in the second floor bedroom of her home on the 300 block of N. Holly Street Friday shortly after 8:20 p.m. Police say Harris was suffering from several gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene by a medic at 8:57 p.m.

No arrests have been made. Police continue to investigate.

"It really disturbs me that she lost her life this way," said Elizabeth Waring, Harris' longtime friend.

Harris was the acting executive director and volunteer coordinator for UC Green, a program that provides maintenance to around 500 trees and public spaces throughout Philadelphia.

"I was the director of community outreach for five years," said Harris' neighbor Tessa Renshaw. "Gems like her don't come every day."

Harris' friends are planning a vigil for her this week and a funeral is scheduled for next Monday.

If you have any information on Harris' death, please call Philadelphia police.

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