PHILADELPHIA (December 12, 2022) — A Philadelphia jury has found Muhammad Jabbar (DOB 2/27/1979) guilty of Aggravated Assault (F1), VUFA 6105 (F1), and VUFA 6106 (F3), for his role in a non-fatal shooting that occurred in the city’s Kensington section on the evening of August 21, 2021.The incident began when a verbal altercation broke out between the defendant and a 19-year-old male. The argument escalated and Jabbar pulled out a firearm and shot the victim nine times before quickly fleeing. A Philadelphia police officer heard the shots and quickly responded to the scene, transporting the victim to Temple Hospital where the victim was treated for his injuries.Investigators recovered surveillance footage from a nearby business that captured the entire incident on video. Police were also able to make a positive identification based on previous interactions they had with the defendant as well as through Instagram posts in which he was wearing clothing similar to what he had worn at the time of the shooting. A baseball cap worn by Jabbar and left at the scene also provided important DNA evidence to police. Law enforcement then obtained an arrest warrant and apprehended Jabbar approximately two weeks later.
“I applaud Assistant District Attorney Alison Neveil for her excellent prosecution of this case,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner. “This is yet another instance in which Philadelphia police skillfully used forensics to bring an airtight case to a talented prosecutor who helped secure justice in a case involving an uncooperative victim. Lastly, I want Philadelphia residents and perpetrators alike to know that my office will continue to hold accountable dangerous people who are prohibited from possessing firearms.”“If it hadn’t been for the quick response by Philadelphia Police Officer Jonathan Ballinger, this case could have easily been a homicide,” said ADA Neveil. “I also commend the excellent investigation conducted by Detective Timothy Fitzgibbon, who painstakingly gathered evidence and built such a strong case against this defendant. And last but certainly not least, I’m grateful to the jury, who carefully deliberated and delivered a just verdict in this trial.”The defendant is scheduled for sentencing by the Hon. Deborah D. Cianfrani on February 13, 2023.
CONTACT:Dustin Slaughter, 215-686-8713, [email protected]
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually. Learn more about the DAO by visiting PhillyDA.org.