$20,000 reward offered for the arrest, conviction of Christopher Battle, wanted in city homicides

Police have been looking for one for a man wanted in connection with multiple homicides in Philadelphia. And now, they are seeking the public’s assistance in the matter, too.

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit is requesting the assistance in locating Christopher Battle, 24, who has an active arrest warrant for the homicides listed below, according to a police Crime Blotter post added on Aug. 11.

According to police, on Monday, July 7, at 12:57 a.m., officers from the 17th District responded to a radio call reporting a “person with a gun” on the 1500 block of South Etting Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, said police.

“Tragically, three individuals were pronounced dead shortly after the incident,” said police in the blotter post.

Zahir Wylie, 23, of the 1100 block of Marilyn Road, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m.; Jason Reese, 19, of the 5400 block of Media Street, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m.; and Azir Harris, 24, of the 2400 block of College Avenue, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back and was pronounced at 2:16 a.m., according to police.

“Nine additional victims sustained various gunshot wounds,” added police. Those included:

• A 21-year-old male was shot in the buttocks and ankle
• Two 17-year-old male, 19-year-old male, and a 24-year-old male were each shot in the left arm
• A 23-year-old female sustained wounds to her left elbow, left thigh, and right calf
• A 15-year-old female and an 18-year-old male were also shot, though their specific injuries are currently unknown
• A 19-year-old male sustained two gunshot wounds to the head.

Police said that the male that suffered two headshots is still struggling to survive.

“He was initially taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before being transferred to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he remains in critical condition,” said police.

The public should be on the lookout for Battle, a black man with black hair, brown eyes, who may still have some facial hair. If located, persons are urged to contact police immediately.

“Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS,” said police. “A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.”