Police are still searching for the man who, after making antigay remarks, opened fire on an employee of an adult bookstore in the Gayborhood.
The incident happened around 3:45 a.m. July 18 at Danny’s Midnight Confessions, 133 S. 13th St. According to investigators, a man entered the store, made a derogatory comment about its LGBT merchandise and returned a moment later, asking about heterosexual material. When the staffer, 31-year-old Kevyn Mines, began directing him to that section, the shooter pulled out a silver revolver, prompting a struggle, and shot Mines in the back.
Officer Leeloni Palmiero said the police report notes that the suspect did not steal, or attempt to steal, anything from the store.
Store owner Danny Liss characterized the shooting as a hate crime. Philadelphia adopted an LGBT-inclusive hate-crimes law last fall that adds fines and up to 90 days in jail for offenses.
Philadelphia police LGBT liaison Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel told PGN that the incident is being looked into a possible hate crime and a failed robbery attempt.
“We think it could be a combination of both,” Bethel said. “There were overtures of hate with what he said. That in and of itself gives us pause to treat it as a possible hate crime. It looks like he may have come in to rob the place and also expressed hate while he was there about the items of items that were being sold.”
Investigators have not named a suspect but describe the man as black, in his mid-20s, between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-9, with a thin build, beard and a dark complexion. He was wearing silver-rimmed glasses, a dark hoodie with U.S.A. on the front and white sneakers at the time of the shooting. Liss is offering a reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Bethel said business owners in the area should keep their properties well-lit, remain cognizant of the goings on in the area and, should a robbery or other incident take place, cooperate fully.
“I always tell people not to fight, just to give them what they ask for. Don’t hesitate,” Bethel said. “You can replace money, replace items but you cannot replace your life.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-TIPS.