Police are hunting a pair of thieves who shot a Philly father at “point-blank range” outside his home in Spring Garden on Thursday night.
Gerard Grandzol, 38, was murdered on the 1500 block of Melon Street around 8 p.m., around the corner from Fairmount Avenue and Broad Street, while his 2-year-old daughter were inside the car. He was also the father of a newborn girl.
No arrests have been reported. Police believe the motive was robbery, and told 6ABC that Grandzol’s wallet was found at the scene.
“We believe the victim’s wallet was taken. But for some unknown reason, the perpetrator fired two shots,” Chief Inspector Scott Small told 6ABC.
Police said that two males approached Grandzol’s car after he parked it on the street. After he stepped outside the car, he reportedly gave them his wallet, then was shot in the face. Inside the vehicle was his 2-year-old daughter, and the family dog.
Police sources theorized to the Inquirer that the thieves may have wanted Grandzol’s car, and he may have refused due to his daughter being inside the car.
Grandzol’s Linkedin page says he was the executive director of a legal recruiting company. He was a St. Joseph’s alum who previously graduated from Archbishop Wood High School.
Neighbors described him to the Inquirer as a vivacious, welcoming neighbor who loved his block and built his own roof deck.
The suspects are described as men in their late teens or early 20s, both in dark, hooded sweatshirts and tan pants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 215-686-TIPS or text a tip to PPDTIP.
