Posted on March 20, 2015

Philadelphia 15-Year-Olds Murdered Married Father in Failed Robbery: Cops

Doyle Murphy, NY Daily News, March 19, 2015

Two 15-year-old Philadelphia boys face murder charges for shooting a man while he walked his dog, firing the final round as he pleaded for his life, authorities said.

The cold-hearted teens and a 14-year-old boy targeted 51-year-old James Stuhlman for a robbery after they tired of playing basketball, police Captain James Clark told reporters.

James Stuhlman

James Stuhlman

“At one point, he did plead for his life,” Clark said Thursday at a news conference. “He said, ‘Please don’t shoot me, please don’t shoot me,’ and they shot still shot him one more time.”

Cops busted Brandon Smith on murder charges, but the hunt is on for the alleged triggerman, Tyfine Hamilton.

Brandon Smith and Tyfine Hamilton

Brandon Smith and Tyfine Hamilton

{snip}

The 14-year-old faces lesser charges and has cooperated with detectives, police said.

Stuhlman usually brought his 13-year-old daughter along on the nightly walks through the city’s Overbrook neighborhood, but on March 12 he decided to go alone–a decision that may have saved her life.

The three boys were prowling the streets for a victim, cops said.

They considered another, younger man but settled on Stuhlman, because he seemed like an easier target with his little dog.

The married father struggled briefly with the boys before Tyfine allegedly opened fire. They ran as Stuhlman crumpled.

Cops found the man still clutching the dog leash and a flashlight, NBC 10 reported. His faithful pet lay trembling next to his lifeless body.

{snip}

Cops said the robbery was pointless–the boys didn’t even get anything from Stuhlman before they ran.

{snip}