Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel announce the arrest of eight ‘Big Naddy Gang’ members tied to multiple fatal and non-fatal shootings in North Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways:
- Eight members of the ‘Big Naddy Gang’ were arrested, linked to at least four homicides and several non-fatal shootings.
- The gang used the murder of Namir Johnson as a justification for a spree of violence, seeking notoriety.
- Philadelphia faces a challenge with over a hundred smaller, fractured gang sets contributing to the city’s violence.
Philly DA and Police Commissioner Announce Major Arrests
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, alongside Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, announced the arrests of eight members of the ‘Big Naddy Gang’ (BNG) on charges including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy.
These arrests relate to a series of deadly shootings that took place in North Philadelphia during 2021 and 2022.
The BNG, primarily active in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, is accused of committing at least four homicides and several other violent crimes.
Rise of the Big Naddy Gang Post-2021
The Big Naddy Gang grew in prominence following the murder of Namir Johnson in 2021. Despite the prosecution of Johnson’s killer, the gang used his death to justify further acts of violence.
Assistant District Attorney Joe Lanuti of the District Attorney’s Gun Violence Task Force explained that the gang members sought notoriety through their violent actions.
BNG Members Indicted on Multiple Charges
A grand jury indicted eight individuals linked to BNG: Jamir Brunson-Gans (21), Dontae Sutton (20), Khalil Henry (20), Elijah Soto (19), Nakye Williams (19), Haneef Davis (19), Jahlil Williams (25), and Rahmeir Hayes (22).
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and other related offenses.
BNG Linked to Multiple Violent Crimes
The members of BNG are implicated in several violent incidents:
- The murder of 24-year-old Chaundrah Jones on September 29, 2021, near 33rd and Diamond Streets. This incident, a case of mistaken identity, also wounded two other women.
- The murder of 33-year-old Jerrick Jenkins on September 18, 2021, on West York Street.
- The murder of 19-year-old Jordan Murray on September 6, 2021, on West Huntingdon Street.
- The attempted murder of an individual on September 5, 2021, on North Judson Street.
- The non-fatal shooting of an individual leaving a candlelight vigil on October 10, 2021, on North 22nd Street.
- The murder of 42-year-old Jemeel Mccoy during a carjacking on January 2, 2022, on North 28th Street.
Overcoming Challenges in Philadelphia Gang Violence
Philadelphia has a big problem with gang violence because the city has over a hundred small neighborhood gangs.
Unlike the bigger, well-known gangs like the Bloods and Crips, these Philly gangs are smaller and more scattered.
Commissioner Bethel explained that it is hard to break these gangs apart because they often work together but keep separate identities to avoid getting caught. Even with these difficulties, the hard work of different law enforcement groups helped to stop BNG’s activities.
The Philadelphia Police Department, the Gun Violence Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) all played important roles in the investigation and arrests.
Community Impact of Arrests in Strawberry Mansion
Commissioner Bethel highlighted the positive effect these arrests have on the Strawberry Mansion community, which is one of the most violent areas in the city. These arrests are an important step towards restoring peace and safety to the neighborhood.
Philadelphia has seen a big drop in gun violence in 2024, with a 38% decrease in homicides compared to the same time last year. This gives hope that the city could have a lot fewer homicides than in 2021.
DA Krasner is hopeful that the progress in reducing violence will continue, and he stressed the need to keep working hard to prevent homicides and other violent crimes.
Family Relief and Grief Following Arrests
The family of Chaundrah Jones, one of the victims, expressed both grief and relief upon learning of the arrests.
Chaundrah’s aunt, Tiffany Samuels, shared the pain of reliving the tragedy but also found solace in knowing that those responsible are now in custody.
Chaundrah’s three-year-old son, now aware of his mother’s fate, represents the lasting impact of the gang’s violence on families and the community.
Join the Fight Against Violence
The recent arrests of Big Naddy Gang members show that we can make a difference in our communities together.
Working with law enforcement and staying vigilant can help bring peace and safety to neighborhoods like Strawberry Mansion.
If you have information about gang activities or need support, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities.
