At a Glance
- Khyon Smith-Tate, 16, was shot once in the chest inside a Chipotle bathroom at 5:15 p.m. Monday
- Police are searching for three boys, ages 16-17, who fled the scene
- One spent shell casing was recovered, confirming a single shot from a semi-automatic weapon
- Why it matters: The brazen killing during dinner rush near Temple University has left the community on edge and the restaurant temporarily closed
A 16-year-old high-school student is dead and three teenage boys are wanted for murder after a single gunshot rang out inside a crowded Chipotle bathroom near Temple University on Monday evening.
Philadelphia police identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate. Officers responded to the restaurant at 1100 Montgomery Ave. at 5:15 p.m. for a report of a person with a gun. Inside the restroom, they found Khyon suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Shooting
The bullet was fired during the restaurant’s dinner rush, according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. Investigators recovered one spent shell casing in the bathroom, evidence that a single round was discharged from a semi-automatic weapon.
Khyon had been inside the bathroom with at least one of the suspects when the confrontation turned deadly. No motive has been determined, and no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.
The Suspects
Police released detailed descriptions of the three teens being sought:
- Suspect 1: Dreadlocks, black coat, pink hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black sneakers, red backpack
- Suspect 2: Black coat, black jeans, black sneakers, black backpack
- Suspect 3: Dreadlocks, black coat, blue hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black sneakers, dark-colored backpack
All three are believed to be between 16 and 17 years old.
Restaurant Response
The Chipotle location is temporarily closed while the chain cooperates with the investigation. A company representative said counselors are being made available to employees.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at our restaurant on the 1100 block of Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia and we hope the individuals responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement read. “The safety of our employees and guests is our top priority.”
Investigation Status
The homicide unit continues to canvass the area for surveillance footage and additional witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police.
Ethan R. Coleman reported this story for News Of Los Angeles.
