As the search continued Monday for the two men suspected of murdering an off-duty cop, the reward increased to $88,000 while police released the first surveillance video of the last moments of Officer Moses Walker Jr.'s life.
Philadelphia Police held a press conference Monday morning to release the video, which shows Officer Walker, who was not in uniform at the time, walking towards the 2000 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue while two men follow him on the opposite side of the street.
Police say it's clear from the video that robbery was the motive.
Captain James Clark narrates over the surveillance video and says you can see Officer Walker wearing a backpack. He glances over his shoulder several times and police believe that's when he spotted the suspects behind him. Investigators say they don't think the robbers knew he was a police officer.
"The way the officer was dressed, he was young-looking, he was dressed with a backpack on and shorts. He looked like a young civilian just walking down the street and I believe that's why he was targeted. There's no reason for them to know he was a Philadelphia Police Officer," said Captain Clark.
Investigators believe the two suspects live in the neighborhood. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said the reward has been increased to $88,000 for information.
Officer Walker, 40, had just left work and was walking to a bus stop when he was shot three times and killed just before 6 a.m. Saturday at 20th and Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia.
"He was known as a very gentle individual, very kind, never had a harsh word for anyone. Many of his coworkers, the first thing they said was he wouldn't harm a fly. He was just a guy with one of those mellow personalities-- always smiling, always looking to help people and it's just tragic his life ended this way," said Commissioner Ramsey.
Officials also say Walker was set to retire next year.
"This is just a tragedy and another sad moment for the Philadelphia Police Department," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. "We are asking for the community's help."
Anyone with information is being asked to call the Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit
at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip online or over the phone 215-686-8477.
