Police ID Alleged NoLibs Shooter

Police believe they know who they say shot and likely paralyzed a 29-year-old man near his Northern Liberties home

Police believe they know who shot and likely paralyzed a 29-year-old man as he walked home from watching Monday Night Football with his friends.

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Police named 20-year-old Christopher Easter, 20, of the 1500 block of Poplar Street as the alleged shooter. Easter has previous robbery allegations, according to court records.

The shooting happened just a block from the victim's home.

The family of the victim, Kevin Neary, says his spine was shattered when he was shot in the neck, and that Kevin will likely be paralyzed for life from the neck down.

"Kevin has a strength of spirit that will make him get through this," said his father Joe Neary, Sr.

Philadelphia Police are on the lookout for Easter who they say shot Neary early Tuesday morning in Northern Liberties.

The incident happened around 2:45 a.m. as Neary walked along the 700 block of Bodine Street, according to Philadelphia Police.

Easter allegedly approached Neary with a handgun and attempted to rob him, police said.

During the encounter the alleged thief allegedly shot Neary once in the neck, police said.

"(The Victim) didn't resist," said Police Lt. Patrick Dougherty. "Before he had a chance to even respond the male shot him in the head."

The gunfire awoke Neary's roommate and some neighbors who called for help.

Neary was unable to speak in the days following the shooting but was communicating with his family through letters on a board.

"It just makes us really sad that his life is going to be changed forever because someone decided to do this to him," said Kevin's brother Chris Neary.

The suspect was captured on camera just before the crime.

"We just want to see this person brought to justice." said Chris Neary.

If you see Easter, do not approach him and call 9-1-1 immediately.

A $2,500 reward was offered for information leading to Easter's arrest.


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