4 Phila. men charged with murder, 5th sought in Nicetown shootout

Posted: November 28, 2012

Police have charged four men in the death of a 25-year-old woman killed in a shootout outside a Nicetown bar last week, but were still searching for the fifth suspect Tuesday, they said.

Johnika Tiggett was shot in the head early Nov. 23, police said, as she and friends tried to escape a fight that began inside Buffy's, a bar on the 2000 block of Dennie Street.

"As a result of the reckless actions of five individuals, she's no longer with us," said Philadelphia Capt. James Clark, who described Tiggett as an innocent bystander. "It's very, very sad."

Police are seeking 23-year-old Terrell Antwon of the 4400 block of North Cleveland Street in Nicetown.

Since Monday, police have arrested: Byron McDonald, 19, of the 3100 block of North 25th Street; Anthony Palmer, 33, of the 5100 block of Reno Street; Roland Thompson, 36, of the 2400 block of West Toronto Street; and Rashon Wiggins, 24, of the 1800 block of North Juniata Street. All are charged with murder, illegal gun possession, and other offenses.

Tiggett spent Thanksgiving with her parents nearby, on the 4400 block of North 20th Street. After dinner she went with friends to Buffy's, Clark said.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m., a fight began between three of the men and the other two, Clark said. The fight spilled onto the street outside, and as Tiggett and others moved to get away from the group, the men began shooting, Clark said. At least 20 shots were fired, Clark said, and Tiggett later died at Temple University Hospital. Police recovered several guns. No one else was injured.

Witnesses came forward to speak with police after the shooting, Clark said.

"Something like this, it touches the hearts of everybody," he said. "We got a lot of help from the public."

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 215-686-3334.


Contact Allison Steele

at 215-854-2641 or asteele@phillynews.com

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