PHILADELPHIA (December 23, 2025)— Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and the DAO’s Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Unit announced the First Degree Murder conviction of Sabir Bunch for a double shooting homicide that happened on August 3rd, 2023 in the Olney section of Philadelphia.
Sabir Bunch (DOB 11/05/1996) is convicted of two counts of Murder of the First Degree, along with one count of the following:
- VUFA 6106 (F3)
- Possessing Instruments of Crime (PIC) (M1)
- Criminal Trespass (F2)
- Criminal Mischief (M2)
On August 3, 2023, Philadelphia Police (PPD) responded to a shooting at 4th & Champlost Streets. When officers arrived, they found the first victim, Joshua Chisholm, fatally shot with multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body. Officers were then directed to the location of 5953 N. 3rd Street where they found the second victim, Paris William Gary, who was also fatally shot with multiple gunshot wounds to his back.
During the investigation, information and video recovered found the victim, Paris Gary, was at the Albert Einstein Medical Center (AEMC) prior to the shooting with Sabir Bunch. Victim Joshua Chisholm drove to AEMC and brought Bunch back from the hospital to his home on the 5900 Block of N. 3rd Street, followed by victim Paris Gary. At the house, video showed Bunch exiting Chisholm’s car, armed with a firearm, which he is attempting to conceal. Shortly after both enter the house, video footage captures victim Paris Gary pulling up to the home on a motorcycle. Around 7:30 p.m., the sound of gunshots could be heard inside the house. Victim Joshua Chisholm runs out of the house and collapses on the ground across the street. Video later captures the Bunch exiting the rear of the house, hopping over neighboring fences before fleeing the area. About an hour and a half later, police respond to a call for a burglary at 428 W. Spencer Street. A complainant told PPD that a male kicked in the back door of her property and fled out of the front door. Officers located Bunch, shirtless and hiding behind bushes outside of the property. Bunch’s clothing was recovered and later tested positive for gunshot residue, along with other relevant evidence.
Bunch was sentenced to (2) consecutive life sentences plus a consecutive 19.5-39 years incarceration by the Honorable Roxanne Covington.
“I hope that every family who has lost someone to homicide or suffered a terrible loss knows that our office doesn’t give up,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. “Neither do our law enforcement partners or the DAO’s Victim Services Unit, who have been visiting families during this time of year for our Holiday Hope Initiative. We do our best to make sure cases like these are solved. Thank you to ADA Jeff Hojnowski for your excellent prosecution.”
“Joshua was a remarkable individual, an exemplary son, father, brother, and friend,” said Joshua Chisholm’s mother, Diana DeVaughn. “While I will not have the chance to see Joshua again, his legacy will live on. I am profoundly grateful for the justice that has been served in his case, as well as that of Petey [Paris Gary]. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to District Attorney Jeff Hojnowski and his team for their unwavering commitment. Their efforts are truly praiseworthy. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Kathy Lee for her unwavering support throughout this entire trial. Thank you for your warm comfort and words of encouragement.”
“My son was my gentle giant,” said Paris Gary’s mother, Denise Wells. “He went above and beyond for so many people. He was a tattoo artist, and barber, he helped the elderly. For his life to be taken for a reason we’ll never know is devastating. He leaves me with five beautiful children, who I love so much. Some how, some way, the gun violence has to stop. No mother should have to be standing in my shoes.”
Photos of Paris Gary and his mother, Denise Wells:
Photos of Joshua Chisholm, family and friends:
