Gunman Kills 2 Women Inside Church Turned Speakeasy in North Philly

A gunman shot and killed two women inside a speakeasy in North Philadelphia Thursday night. 

Constance Marshall, a 56-year-old from Vineyard Street, and Irene McNair, a 31-year-old from North 16th Street were on the first floor near the doors inside an abandoned church turned speakeasy -- or illegal club that serves alcohol -- on the 1900 block of Ridge avenue at 7:44 p.m. when a gunman opened fire outside the building.

Marshall was shot in the left armpit and McNair was shot in the right torso. Medics pronounced both women dead at the scene a short time later.

"That's pretty unusual to be able to fire seven shots from the street into this property, through the front door, striking each of these victims, it appears one time each," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

One man, who did not want to be identified, told NBC10 he believes his sister was one of the victims.

"They say somebody. They had a shooting up here and I don't see my f------ sister," he said.

No arrests have been made and a weapon has not been recovered. 

A witness was taken into police custody for questioning. Police also said officials will try to track down the lawful owner of the property after the building is thoroughly searched.

As of Friday morning, there were 466 homicides in Philadelphia, up 12% from the same time last year, which was ultimately one of the deadliest on record in the city.

There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.