Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
Crime
Two Brothers and Their Sister Found Dead Inside Mount Holly Home After Postal Worker Discovers 911 Note
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — Law enforcement officials are investigating the deaths of three individuals after a postal worker made a disturbing discovery at a Mount Holly residence on Friday, November 6.
Emergency responders were dispatched to a home on Winding Way after a mail carrier noticed a heavily taped, handwritten message on the front door instructing anyone who saw it to call 911.
The note reportedly contained drawings of two unhappy faces with crosses over their eyes alongside the text “9-1-1 Inside.”
Upon entering the residence, responding Mount Holly Police officers discovered three deceased individuals inside the home.
Preliminary reports indicate that officers encountered a significant amount of blood within the property, though official investigators have not yet publicly detailed the exact scene conditions.
While law enforcement has not formally released the victims’ names pending official identification and next-of-kin notifications, neighbors identified the deceased as three siblings in their 60s who had resided in the neighborhood for many years: Roslyn (or Rosalind) Monk, Randy Monk, and William “Will” Monk.
Community members described the residents as quiet and friendly, expressing shock over the sudden tragedy in their neighborhood.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Mount Holly Township Police Department, has launched a full investigation into the incident.
Autopsies are currently underway by medical examiners to determine the exact cause and manner of death for all three individuals.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether foul play or a homicide is suspected, and no information regarding potential suspects has been released.
Our deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family, loved ones, and Mount Holly community affected by this devastating loss.