A SEPTA conductor and father of seven was gunned down early Monday morning outside of his East Germantown neighborhood home.
Family says 37-year-old Daniel Ruley was killed as he left his home along East Washington Lane around 12:20 a.m., Philadelphia police said.
A black sedan was waiting for the man as he left his home, police said. Suddenly, someone in the sedan opened fire.
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The man was struck while in front of his home. Medics pronounced him dead a short time later, police said.
At least 15 shots were fired, police said. Witnesses told investigators the gunfire was so rapid that it sounded like an automatic weapon.
Police said the attack appeared to be targeted, however, Ruley's family believes it was a case of mistaken identity.
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Those who knew Ruley told NBC10 he was with Prince Hall Freemasonry for more than 10 years.
SEPTA said they were shocked and saddened to hear the news of his death. The agency said he was a Regional Rail conductor and worked for them for 13 years.
“SEPTA’s thoughts are with Mr. Ruley’s family at this extremely difficult time," a spokesperson with SEPTA shared.
SEPTA said counseling is being made available for co-workers. SEPTA will continue to assist Philadelphia Police in any way possible as this investigation continues.”
Entering Sunday, there were at least 384 homicides in Philadelphia this year, up 4% from the same time last year, which ended as the year with the most killings in Philadelphia’s recorded history.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
