FOX NEWS – One of two suspects arrested in Philadelphia in connection to the death of a 25-year-old Temple University graduate shot while walking his dog had been freed just two weeks earlier on bail dramatically reduced in part because of coronavirus pandemic-related court closures.
District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement Sunday night that his office had argued in two separate cases last year that 20-year-old Davis L. Josephus be held in jail, “yet bail was lowered by judges over our objections.”
Josephus is facing several charges, including murder, conspiracy, robbery and illegal firearm offenses after allegedly shooting Milan Loncar in Brewerytown Wednesday.
Police said surveillance video showed two men approach Loncar on the street before 7 p.m. — one pointing a gun at him – before both reached for his pants pockets. Loncar was shot once in the chest. He was still clutching the leash of his rescue dog when officers arrived.
Philadelphia Police Department Inspector Derrick Wood said in a tweet Sunday that Josephus was out on the street with two open felony cases because his bail was reduced from $200,000 to $12,000.
Wood said:
“This is ridiculous and another example of bail decisions that are being made without considering the safety of the community. Consequences matter,”
Responding to his colleague’s tweet, Philadelphia Police Department Captain Matthew Gillespie added,
“This is disgusting and inexcusable! It is nauseating to hear of constant bail reductions on violent individuals! Milan and this city deserves better.”
About an hour and a half after Loncar was fatally shot, Josephus was taken into custody around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in connection to an unrelated alleged carjacking the day earlier, Fox 29 Philadelphia reported.
Four men fled from the vehicle, but police captured Josephus, who was the driver.
Josephus – who had been arrested five times since January 2019 — was charged on Feb. 19, 2020, with 11 counts, including kidnapping for ransom, robbery, car theft …
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