A heartbreaking shooting in Philadelphia has left a family searching for answers after a 20-year-old woman was fatally shot while simply heading home from work with food in her hands. Police say she was an innocent bystander caught in gunfire meant for someone else.
Authorities have now arrested one suspect in the deadly shooting, while two others remain on the run.
20-Year-Old Imani Ringgold Fatally Shot in Philadelphia
Philadelphia police identified the victim as 20-year-old Imani Ringgold, who was killed on April 7 in a shooting that investigators believe targeted another group of people.
According to investigators, Ringgold had just finished her shift as a home health aide and stopped to buy pizza before heading home.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Ringgold walking down the sidewalk carrying a pizza box moments before gunfire erupted.
Grandmother Was on the Phone During the Shooting
Ringgold’s family says the tragedy unfolded while she was speaking with her grandmother on the phone.
Her grandmother, Dietra Bynum, said she was listening in real time when the shooting happened.
According to family members, the phone suddenly dropped, and Ringgold never responded again.
The emotional moment has devastated the family, who said the young woman was full of life and had exciting plans for the future.
Police Say Gunmen Were Targeting Someone Else
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the shooting happened around 6:20 p.m.
Investigators say three armed suspects exited a black Mazda SUV and opened fire on a group of people gathered in the area.
Police believe the suspects were aiming at people in that crowd and that Ringgold was not the intended target.
During the attack, three innocent people were struck:
- Imani Ringgold, 20
- A 23-year-old man
- A 55-year-old woman
Victim Was Shot Multiple Times
Authorities said Ringgold suffered gunshot wounds to her face, torso, and hip.
Investigators also allege that one of the gunmen approached Ringgold after she had fallen and fired several more shots at close range before fleeing.
The suspects reportedly escaped in the SUV, which was later found abandoned just blocks away.
Family Says She Was Preparing for Her 21st Birthday
Family members described Imani as hardworking, caring, and full of dreams.
She had only recently started her new job as a home health aide and was preparing to celebrate her 21st birthday.
Loved ones said she also had travel plans and was excited about the future.
Her aunt said Ringgold did not even live in that neighborhood and was simply passing through after work.
One Suspect Arrested, Two Others Still Wanted
Police have arrested 24-year-old Hamza Ruley in connection with the shooting.
He is accused of being one of the three gunmen involved in the deadly attack.
Ruley now faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Murder
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Criminal conspiracy
- Illegal firearm possession
- Additional felony weapons charges
He remains in custody at the Philadelphia prison system with bail set at $1 million.
Police Continue Searching for Two More Suspects
Authorities say two additional suspects remain at large:
- Mustafa King, 26
- Zarie Manning, 21
Investigators continue asking the public for information that could lead to their arrests.
Court Date Scheduled for June
Hamza Ruley is scheduled to return to court on June 1 as prosecutors continue building their case.
The tragic death of Imani Ringgold has shaken Philadelphia and left her family mourning a young life taken far too soon. What should have been a simple trip home after work turned into a devastating act of violence, highlighting the painful impact of gun crime on innocent families.
