The intersection of 60th Street and Chester Avenue where David Miles was gunned down in June. Credit: Google Maps
A man was held for court on murder charges for the June shooting of a man he told police he suspected of robbing his home.
Daniel Lucas, 27, allegedly shot 31-year-old David Miles to death in June near the intersection of 60th Street and Chester Avenue in Southwest Philly.
Miles, of Kingsessing, was discovered shot once in the back of the head around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18.
“It was revenge,” said prosecutor Judge Conroy.
Lucas made statements to police indicating that he believed Miles had participated in a home invasion robbery of Lucas’s home in December 2013, Conroy said.
So, the day after the robbery, Lucas reportedly acquired a gun and confront Lucas, who denied any involvement.
But Lucas heard on “the streets” that Miles had bragged about the robbery and boasted “I’m not giving him anything back,” as Conroy put it.
A few months later when Lucas confronted Miles, Miles allegedly said to him, “I’m not giving you f—– s—,” according to Conroy.
In Lucas’s statement to police he said, “I closed my eyes and pulled my gun out, it was a fast reaction.”
On that basis, Lucas’ public defenders questioned the portrayal of the shooting as an intentional act and said Lucas intended to shoot in the air, and fire a “warning shot.”
However, Lucas was held for court on murder general charges and firearm charges.
Lucas told police detectives at the conclusion of his interview, “I’m sorry that this happened. I know I can never bring him back. I’m sorry this happened.”
