Three siblings were killed when a hijacked SUV plowed into the fruit stand where they were helping their mother in North Philadelphia Friday.
Three others, including the children’s mother, another woman and the carjacking victim, are fighting for their lives, reports NBC Philadelphia.
The group was struck by a white Toyota 4Runner that was stolen by two men. The SUV jumped the curb after one of its tires blew, eventually stopping when it hit a tree.
According to Philadelphia Police Homicide Captain James Clark, 10-year-old Thomas Reed died at the scene. His sister Keiearra Williams, 15, died at Temple University Hospital, and seven-year-old Terrence Moore died after he was rushed to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
The children were helping their mother, 34-year-old Keisha Williams, sell fruit to raise money for their church. Williams remains in critical condition.
“I’ve been in the homicide unit for six years, and this is one of the saddest cases I’ve come across,” Clark told NBC Philadelphia. “You have three innocent children who had the rest of their lives in front of them that were taken in this fashion. It’s very sad. It’s very tragic, and we will find the individuals that are responsible.”
Thelma Brown, 69, was also seriously injured. The woman who was hijacked at gunpoint, a real estate agent, is currently in critical condition after surviving the crash.
As of Monday morning, homicide detectives are questioning two men who were taken into police custody Sunday in connection with the carjacking.
A 19-year-old, identified as Jonathan Rosa by his attorney, turned himself in with his mother and pastor at his side, reports NBC Philadelphia.
The city is offering a $100,000 reward for any information that may lead to the arrest of the men.
Head to NBC Philadelphia for more information.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.