The reward to catch Amber Long’s killer is now $30,000.
The Fraternal Order of Police added $10,000 on top of the city’s $20,000 offer in hopes of enticing anyone with information to come forward.
The 26-year-old woman was killed in front of her 50-year-old mother during a robbery attempt Sunday night in Northern Liberties.
Capt. James Clark released video Thursday that shows the attackers suspected getaway car – a newer model, four-door, dark sedan – circling the block and looking for victims before the attack. Clark said the mother and daughter walked by the vehicle at one point, and a short time later were attacked.
Long, of the 1700 block of West Ritner Street, got off the El with her mother and the two were walking toward their parked car when they were attacked on the 900 block of Front Street. One man snatched the mother’s purse from her shoulder and ran.
The second attacker attempted to take the purse off Amber, and after he spun her around by the purse, shot her in the stomach. The purse dropped to the ground and was left behind.
Initial reports indicated Long struggled with the attacker before her purse was stolen. But the video shows no struggle.
“These individuals are out and out cowards,” Clark said. “To come and to shoot a defenseless female like this just because he couldn’t get her purse off fast enough I think they’re out and out cowards. She didn’t fight at all.”
Clark said he hopes someone watches the video and recognizes their walk, mannerisms or what they were wearing that night.
“Anything,” he said. “Right now, we need a lead. Unfortunately, because of a certain individual that came in to Homicide and led us down the wrong road, we’re a little bit behind the 8 ball.”
Two men – identified as “persons of interest’ – were detained and questioned 24 hours after the attack, but were released after police discovered they were falsely accused.
Lamar Beatty, 44, of the 1900 block of Church Lane, was arrested for making false reports to police.
Beatty called 911. Walked into the homicide unit and identified two men as the attackers and laid out how the attack was planned and executed.
“And then we go to find out after he’s pressed and the alibi’s don’t add up that he was lying,” Clark said. “His motive was that he owed some type of drug debt to certain individuals and this was his way of trying to get them arrested.”
“It’s very frustrating,” he added.
The reward is issued for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip via telephone at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.
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