Philadelphia

Demonstrators Call for End to Gun Violence in Memory of Slain Dog-Walking Dad

Demonstrators marched against gun violence in Philadelphia Sunday in memory of a man who police say was shot and killed by two teenagers while he was walking his dog.

Residents and local religious groups held a demonstration Sunday and walked to the 6400 block of Woodcrest Avenue, the same location where 51-year-old James Stuhlman was shot and killed back on March 12.

Stuhlman was walking his dog along Woodcrest Avenue when he was shot and killed by two teen boys during a robbery, police said.

Tyfine Hamilton and Brandon Smith, both 15, face murder, robbery and other related charges in Stuhlman’s death. A 14-year-old boy is also facing robbery and conspiracy charges for his alleged role in the crime though police say he was only a witness to the murder.

The teens were playing basketball when they decided to rob a man, investigators said. The boys picked Stuhlman as their target because he looked old and his dog appeared "weak," according to investigators.

Stuhlman pleaded for his life, saying "please don't shoot me," before he was shot once in the chest, according to Philadelphia Homicide Captain James Clark.

When officers arrived on the scene, the dog's leash was still in the man's hand and his pet was lying by his side, police said.

Stuhlman is survived by his daughter, wife and six siblings.

During Sunday’s event, the demonstrators expressed their support for Stuhlman and other victims of gun violence. The organizers said they are also focused on getting illegal guns off the streets.

“Most of the murders that we have seen or heard lately have been done with illegal guns,” said Yancy Harrell, the father of another victim of gun violence. “The two guys that killed my son, they had an illegal gun. The guys that killed James, they had an illegal gun.”
 

Contact Us