A rumor. That’s what police believe led to the fatal shooting of Anthony Grasso on the 600 block of Fitzgerald Street after he confronted the man who allegedly started it, Homicide Fugitive Squad Detective Michael Walter said.
Now investigators are looking for Lance Crawford, 28, a convicted felon out on parole since 2006 after serving time for a South Philly shooting, Walter told the Review.
Crawford has strong family ties to the area, according to police, and has been known to frequent the following areas: the 2600 block of South Marshal Street; the 300 block of Harmony Street; the 400 block of Durfor Street; and the 2300 block of South Franklin Street.
The suspect, who is dating Grasso’s girlfriend’s sister, allegedly started a rumor Grasso was cheating on his pregnant girlfriend, Walter said. When the victim caught wind of it, he confronted the alleged source.
At about 6:20 p.m. Feb. 29, Crawford walked up to Grasso outside the latter’s girlfriend’s house and shot him in the head and torso in front of the siblings, the detective said.
A medic took the 26-year-old from the 2100 block of South Fourth Street to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:51 p.m.
Crawford was described as black, 150 pounds, about 5-foot-8 with black hair and brown eyes.
To report information, call the Homicide Fugitive Squad at 215-686-3068/3084.
Reward for killer
Almost two years after a 19-year-old was slain, the Citizens Crime Commission is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever pulled the trigger.
Rameek Roland was shot multiple times in his torso at about 11:20 p.m. July 10, 2006, on the 1800 block of South 20th Street, where he resided. The teen was standing on the block when he was ambushed by gunfire. He died at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania at 11:29 p.m.
To be eligible for the reward, information must be called in to the commission tip-line at 215-546-TIPS and callers must receive a code number from a live operator. Callers may remain anonymous.
Sketch of rape suspect released
The Special Victims Unit has released a composite sketch of a man wanted for a Feb. 28 rape. He was described as black with a medium complexion and athletic build, age 30 to 40, 6 foot to 6-foot-3 and wearing a black, white and gray baseball cap with "NYC" on the front, black jeans and a black hoody with a red design or wording on the chest.
The suspect and two males drove up to a 33-year-old at about 5:30 a.m. and abducted her from the 2400 block of Wharton Street, where she was walking back from a friend’s house. They drove her to the area near the 25th Street railroad bridge, where two of the men held her down while the suspect raped her, police said. She was driven back to the block from where she was taken and released.
The trio’s vehicle was described as a light blue SUV with gray interior and tinted windows.
To report information, call SVU at 215-685-3251/3252.
Gunpoint robbery
A 23-year-old was accosted by two males, one of whom had a gun, and robbed of his wallet containing $70, as well as his cell phone.
The pair walked up to the victim on the 2000 block of Wharton Street at about 10:50 p.m. Monday. After one produced a gun, the other went through the victim’s pockets and snatched the goods before both took off on foot in an unknown direction.
Both offenders were described as black, about age 15 to 16, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8; one had on a blue hoody, blue jeans and tan boots, while the other was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and tan boots.
To report information, call South Detectives at 215-686-3013.
On the chase
As the slogan says, "Everyone who knows goes to Melrose" and apparently that includes people interested in robbing the place.
After a man attempted to holdup the Melrose Diner, 1501 Snyder Ave., at about 11:55 a.m. March 4, employees chased him down and detained him until police arrived, Detective Joe Chiaro of South Detectives said.
With his hand in his pocket as if he had a gun, police said the suspect walked up to the register and demanded money from a 51-year-old employee. When the man refused, the suspect fled empty-handed with several staffers on his tail, Chiaro said.
Salvatore Tartaglia, 51, who gave his address as the 100 block of Fourth Avenue, was charged with attempted robbery, attempted theft, terroristic threats and simple assault.
Conviction in Edna case
A juvenile was found guilty of four misdemeanor offenses Monday in the animal cruelty case of the lost dog Edna. The pooch slipped out of a home in the Italian Market, where owner Bill Whiting was having dinner Oct. 31.
A 15-year-old from Kensington was convicted of theft by extortion, conspiracy, terroristic threats and harassment/stalking, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Officials said the teen made a midnight call to Whiting in an attempt to extort money after getting his number from lost-dog fliers Whiting plastered all over the city offering a reward.
Edna is still missing and her fate remains a mystery.
To contact Staff Writer Lorraine Gennaro, e-mail lgennaro@southphillyreview.com or call ext. 124.
