A young electrician died after being shot just days before his 28th birthday after an argument outside a local Chinese restaurant escalated to violence in the Overbrook section of the city.
Twenty-seven-year-old Paul McKernan, of Northeast Philly, was pronounced dead at 11:59 p.m. Friday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, less than 30 minutes after he was shot in the throat on the 5500 block of Lansdowne Avenue, according to officials.
"It feels like my heart was ripped out of my chest," said the victim's uncle, Tim McKernan, who helped raise him.
Paul had just exited Lucky Garden where he purchased a few snacks, according to the restaurant's manager.
Moments after leaving the restaurant, Paul and another man got into a confrontation, according to officials.
Paul walked away, but the man followed him, pulled a gun and fatally shot him, according to investigators.
"Paul was a sensitive, caring and strong person," Tim said. "I just don't see how this person could just do what he did to my nephew."
Surveillance video from Lucky Garden captured Paul's final moments, but did not show the shooter.
Police said they pulled footage captured by cameras at other nearby shops and they are currently reviewing it.
They have not yet released a description of the suspect.
Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS.
