Bucks County officials this week said they’re continuing to investigate the homicide of Michael A. Whispell, a gay man from Tunkhannock, in northeastern Pennsylvania.
On June 20, 2022, Whispell, 41, was attending a family event at a relative’s apartment in Bensalem, Pa., when he became involved in an altercation with another individual attending the event.
The suspect allegedly punched Whispell several times in the head. Whispell was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia, where he subsequently died on July 4, 2022.
PGN is withholding the name of the suspect, because no charges have been filed as of presstime.
A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office said the Office ruled Whispell’s death a homicide due to complications of blunt-force head trauma.
Matthew D. Weintraub, district attorney for Bucks County, issued this statement: “We are utilizing extraordinary investigative measures to clarify the evidence before we make a charging decision. This will take time.”
Robert McVey, director of public safety for Bensalem Township, issued this statement: “The Bensalem Police Department has been involved in this investigation since this incident occurred. It is still active and we are currently working together with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office on the case.”
Lt. Michael Schum of the Bensalem Police Department issued this statement about the incident: “The Bensalem Township Police responded to 3131 Knights Road on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 1:43 p.m. to investigate an assault that had taken place. The incident is still under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. The police report cannot be released due to the Criminal History [Record] Information Act (CHRIA).”
Whispell was born on Dec. 6, 1980, in Bristol, Pa. He graduated from Harry S. Truman High School in 1998. After high school, he studied culinary arts at the Community College of Philadelphia and subsequently worked at several well-regarded restaurants in the area.
Whispell married William Whispell on June 23, 2018, and the couple resided in Tunkhannock, Pa., with their pet bulldog Festa, according to his published obituary.
Asa Khalif, a local civil-rights advocate and a close friend of Whispell, said he’s closely monitoring the investigation into Whispell’s death. “We’re not going away,” Khalif told PGN. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Khalif referred to Whispell as “my friend and brother.”
Robin Proctor, a close friend of Whispell for more than 20 years, echoed Khalif’s sentiments. “The concern is that a Black, gay man was murdered,” Proctor told PGN. “They [Bucks County officials] seem to have no care in the world as to getting [the suspect] prosecuted for this crime.”
As of presstime, no charges had been filed against the suspect. Khalif said he’s willing to hold demonstrations in Bucks County until charges are filed.