Last Updated on September 27, 2022
Homicide detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating a “random” shooting that left a Temple University graduate dead early Thursday morning. Authorities initially believed the victim was the target of a robbery attempt, but upon further investigation, the homicide is being investigated as a “random” act of violence.
According to police, the shooting took place on the 400 block of North 35th Street around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, not far from the campus of Drexel University. Responding officers found an unresponsive 23-year-old-male who had suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.
The victim, later identified as Everett Beauregard, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m.
Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith reviewed surveillance footage of the shooting with reporters over the weekend. In the video, the gunman can be seen walking down the street before encountering the victim. As Beauregard passes the suspect, the gunman “quickly turns around and immediately begins firing at Mr. Beauregard as his back is turned towards him,” Captain Smith said.
The 23-year-old was struck once in the base of his neck, severing his spinal cord, Smith said. Beauregard collapsed to the ground, though the gunman fired at least one shot while fleeing, Smith said. Police ultimately recovered four spent shell casings from the scene, according to Chief Inspector Scott Small.
The gunman — who was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and light-colored face mask — is considered armed and dangerous. Police are urging the public to exercise caution and to come forward with any available information.
“Tragically, Mr. Beauregard’s life was cut short by this horrific act of violence and for no apparent reason whatsoever. This was not a robbery attempt as we initially believed,” Smith said. “This wasn’t an argument between Mr. Beauregard and the offender. Not a word was spoken between the two prior to the offender turning and shooting Mr. Beauregard in his back,” he went on to say.
WATCH: Video has been released of the shooting murder of 23 year-old Democratic Party staffer Everett Beauregard.
Police say the motive may be a robbery, but nothing was even attempted to be taken from the victim… pic.twitter.com/8sO86pl4yg
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) September 23, 2022
On Thursday afternoon, the victim’s family released a statement saying in part: “The Beauregard family would like to thank the outpouring of sympathy for the tragic shooting death of our beloved son Everett Beauregard. Everett was always willing to lend a hand to any anyone who needed his attention, love and humor.”
Temple University also released a statement on Everett Beauregard’s murder:
“Everett had just become Temple Made in June, which only further magnifies the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. He had a very bright future ahead of him, and it is beyond disheartening knowing we will no longer be able to watch him soar alongside his fellow Owls. Our thoughts are with Everett’s family, friends and the entire Temple community during this tremendously difficult time.”
Beauregard previously worked as an intern for U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), who released the following statement:
“I am heartsick to learn this senseless epidemic of gun violence has struck a member of my team. Everett worked for my campaign during the 2018 election season. He made great contributions to our electoral victory that year,” Boyle said in a statement. “He was a nice, well-liked, and purposeful young man with a bright future ahead of him. We will truly miss him and we grieve along with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
— Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) September 22, 2022
The City of Philadelphia is offering a $20,000 reward leading to an arrest and conviction for the killing.
