Man shot dead during pre-prom party in West Philly

A gunman opened fire into a party of 50

Kristen Oswald, of Royersford, Montgomery County, died during an Ironman triathlon in Ohio on Sunday after being struck by a commercial truck struck while she was cycling on the course. 
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice

A pre-prom party for Boys' Latin of Philadelphia Charter School turned violent when a gunman fired into a group of about 50 people gathered near 55th and Pemberton streets.

The pre-prom party started around 7 p.m. Thursday night on the 600 block of South 55th Street in celebration of the homeowners' nephew, a prom attendee. The student left to attend the prom around 8:15 p.m., CBS reports.

Around 8:45 p.m. a gunman fired into the crowd of partygoers the remained, authorities said, and a 23-year-old man was shot in the head. He was rushed to an Penn Presbyterian medical and died of his injuries at 2:15 a.m.

No arrests have yet been made in what police are calling a "senseless murder."

The suspect was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, is believed to live in the neighborhood and is between 16 and 20 years old.

There is a $20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the shooter, police said. Individuals with information are encouraged to call (215) 686-TIPS or text PPD TIP (773847).