It's unfortunate that murder in Philadelphia has become so commonplace that it very rarely makes the cover of the major newspapers or the lead story on the local news. I try to read each and every story that the Inquirer or Daily News do about these murders, no matter how small or lacking in details (which, of course, is because there often aren't many details to be had).
Anyway, in case you missed it, there was something just a little different about murder #186. Specifically, this murder seems to have uncovered the existence of a strange little band of nomads who gather in Philly during the summer from all parts of the country. The neighbors in the area around the abandoned apartment building at 49th and Locust have long known about this group, who move in for the summer like so many Jersey-shore renters, and party until all hours on the roof of the building:
"It's a building that's known for people to squat and party," [Homicide Sgt. Anthony] McFadden said.
Residents of the neighborhood gathered across the street as crime-scene investigators combed the area for evidence.
Neighbors say the building has been abandoned for almost 10 years and should have been boarded up for good by now.
"Every summer, these people come around here. They throw parties up there almost every night," said block captain Jason Custis.
Custis said the wayward groups come to Philadelphia from as far away as San Francisco and set up makeshift homes inside the abandoned building.
"Sometimes if people are getting rid of old sofas or televisions or something, they'll walk by and ask if they can have the stuff and then they put it up in that house," Custis added.
"Every year, they are here."
The story doesn't mention it, but I guess that means that once the summer is over, they move on, perhaps to find abandoned buildings in warmer parts of the country. If anyone knows anything about these folks, I'd love to learn more.
It looks like now that murder is involved, the party could be over for this wandering band of rooftop partygoers.
Comments (1)
Unfortunate I believe citizens have become numb and dumb to the strange existence of the little band of nomads and the city prefers to remain on a no-disquieting vibe , after-all its summer again and who needs some rich descendant's folk from San Francisco creating waves because their child happens to enjoy a daily romp inside of an unrestrained apartment building located at 49th and Locust Street. I seriously think something is wrong when a 27 year-old man is beaten and kicked to death on a rooftop and then left for someone else to find.
Where are the owners of the apartment building when the squat and party parallax are active.
Posted by Jasper Zeigler Jr | June 20, 2007 2:44 PM