PHILADELPHIA (July 24, 2024) — District Attorney Larry Krasner on Wednesday announced that a Philadelphia jury convicted Kelechi J. Chibundu (DOB 6/17/96) of Third Degree Murder, Possession of an Instrument of Crime (PIC), VUFA 6106, and VUFA 6108 for fatally shooting 21-year-old Melvin Hollimon on the night of January 11, 2022, in the city’s Tioga section.
Hollimon, along with other male witnesses, was attempting to deescalate a domestic dispute. The conflict was between a mother and the defendant, who shared custody of their children. The mother was refusing to allow the defendant to visit the children because the defendant was intoxicated.
A physical altercation broke out between Hollimon and the defendant. After losing the fight, the defendant fled the scene but soon returned with a firearm. As the victim and the other witnesses began to flee, the defendant fatally shot Holloman twice in the back
Investigators utilized video footage of the incident and a detailed description of the defendant, down to the spelling of his name, that was recorded by a 9-1-1 operator. This led to his arrest on January 25, 2022. The jury deliberated less than one day before delivering their verdict.
“I commend Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Palmer for the successful prosecution of Kelechi Chibundu,” said DA Krasner. “I also thank the jury for delivering a fair and just verdict in this case. Mr. Chibundu will be held accountable for his reckless disregard for human life.”
“I thank the 9-1-1 operator who collected an unusually large amount of information about this incident, including the defendant’s name; their thoroughness played an essential role in the prosecution of this defendant,” said ADA Palmer. ” I also want to thank Philadelphia Police Detective Richard Bova for his excellent investigation.. Thanks to all involved, this dangerous individual no longer poses a threat to the community.”
Chibundu is scheduled for sentencing before the Hon. Glenn Bronson on September 19, 2024.
CONTACT:
Dustin Slaughter, [email protected]
The images below are provided by Melvin Hollimon’s family and law enforcement for use by the media.
