Police probe 3 killings allegedly tied to Philadelphia tow company 448 Towing and Recovery
Philadelphia police say they're investigating three murders of people connected to a tow company.
Sources tell Action News police are working with their federal partners on this case.
Family and police sources say all the victims worked for 448 Towing and Recovery.
READ MORE | Parents want answers after tow truck driver killed in drive-by shooting
The most recent incident happened Sunday night when a Honda Accord pulled up at Knorr Street and Bustleton Avenue. Aaron Whitfield was killed and his girlfriend was injured.
"It could be over territory. For some reason, they believe they have territory in the city, which we all know they do not," said Philadelphia Police Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom.
Investigators are also looking for a navy blue Jeep Cherokee possibly involved in the killing of David Garcia-Morales , who was gunned down in his tow truck in the middle of the 4200 block of Torresdale Avenue on December 22.
Police said the fatal shooting of Aaron Smith-Sim on the 2700 block of Hicks Street in late November may also be connected.
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"He was what we call a spotter for tow trucks. So what happens when there is an auto accident, they'll run out to the scene quickly and then notify their tow truck operators, and they'll get to the scene as soon as they can," said Ransom.
The Investigative Team has been putting the spotlight on the towing industry for years. In Philadelphia, there's a rotational tow system. Police dispatch companies to accidents, but some tow operators often skirt the law by bypassing the rotation and arriving at crash scenes prior to police arrival.
Investigators tell Action News the tow industry, unfortunately, has some unsavory characters with lengthy criminal histories, including violence.
Aaron Whitfield's mother, Kimberly Randlemann, knows all too well as she prepares for his funeral.
"They have no respect for nobody no more. They don't care where you are, who you're with, they don't care," said Randlemann.
Action News has been unable to reach the owner of 448 Towing and Recovery for comment.
Police say if you have information or know the whereabouts of that Honda Accord and Jeep Cherokee, call them at 215-686-TIPS.
