Front Page Detectives
or
Sign in with lockrMail
BREAKING NEWS

Accused ‘ringleader’ of Pennsylvania carjacking crew charged in connection to two murders, shootings, police say

carjacking suspect
Source: Philadelphia Police Department; UNSPLASH

Feb. 23 2022, Published 5:02 p.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

A Pennsylvania man accused of being the ringleader of a prolific carjacking crew has been taken into custody on murder charges, officials said.

Article continues below advertisement

On Feb. 22, Philadelphia police announced officers arrested 28-year-old Jonathan Akubu for the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Marine Corps veteran George Briscella as well as the shooting death of Aya Gabasi six days later.

Akubu also faces aggravated assault charges in connection to two other victims who were shot but survived.

Ballistic tests, police said, allegedly linked the two murders with the other two shootings and officers recovered an AK-47 and other firearms from Akubu’s apartment.

“Look at what our people are up against. I mean, our officers are equipped with Glocks generally and body armor,” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said. “Some of these guys are running around with AK47s, AR-15s and multi-shot clips.”

Article continues below advertisement

The suspect allegedly may be connected to nearly fifty carjackings throughout the Philadelphia area, KYW-TV reported, citing law enforcement sources.

MORE ON:
carjacking

According to the station’s sources, detectives were able to trace some of the stolen cars to ports, including in New Jersey and Delaware, where they were then exported to worldwide destinations, including Africa.

Article continues below advertisement

KYW-TV’s sources alleged Akubu and at least four other carjackers would target the owners of Toyotas at gunpoint.

“We think that Jonathan was the ringleader for this, and we think the individuals that he was working with, more than likely, were younger than him,” Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith said.

carjacking suspect
Source: Philadelphia Police Department; UNSPLASH
Advertisement

Become a Front Page Detective

Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.

More Stories

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 FRONT PAGE DETECTIVES™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. FRONT PAGE DETECTIVES is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.