Police are investigating the death of a man who they say was beaten by a group of men in West Philadelphia. Sources tell NBC10 the victim was a witness in a murder trial last year.
Police say a 24-year-old West Philadelphia man, who was a witness in a murder trial last year, was brutally beaten to death by a group of men.
Police were called to 525 North 55th Street around 10 p.m. Saturday and found Akeel Prout laying on the ground unconscious and bleeding from his head. Witnesses told police approximately six men kicked and punched Prout numerous times on his body and head. Witnesses also say one of the men robbed the victim. All six men left the scene, according to investigators.
Prout was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he was pronounced dead hours later.
A source close to the case believes Prout was beaten to death because he testified at a preliminary hearing in the murder of Hafeezah Nuri-Deen last February. Police say the 31-year-old mother of four was gunned down while she walked to her mother’s house in Overbrook on Oct. 8, 2011. A source tells NBC10 Prout helped Nuri-Deen to a car after she was shot.
The man wanted for Nuri-Deen’s murder, Daniel Shelley, turned himself into police five days later.
Police continue to investigate Prout’s murder.
If you have any information in the case, contact Philadelphia Police.
