PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Michelle Wilson had spent the day working on her future.
She and her husband had been putting time and effort into launching a sandwich and taco food truck — a small business dream they were building together in their North Philadelphia neighborhood.
That night, Aug. 9, the couple sat down on their porch to rest.
They never got the chance to finish that moment.
Gunfire Shattered a Quiet Night
At 11:49 p.m., police responded to reports of a man with a gun in the area.
Officers arrived to find Wilson and her 67-year-old husband both suffering from gunshot wounds.
The two were rushed to the hospital. Wilson was pronounced dead just after midnight. Her husband survived and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Surveillance Captured the Suspect
Detectives reviewed footage from multiple cameras in the area.
One video showed a man walking down the street, pulling a gun from a bag and placing it inside his coat. A second angle captured the same figure — and flashes of gunfire.
Police recovered approximately 20 shell casings from the scene, believed to be from a handgun. News footage showed multiple bullet holes on the outside of the couple’s home.
A Warrant Has Been Issued
On Wednesday, police identified 35-year-old Shariff Perry as their suspect.
An arrest warrant has been issued charging Perry with murder and weapons offenses. As of now, he remains at large.
Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest and conviction.
No motive has been released.
‘Hard-Working People Trying to Make an Honest Dollar’
Neighbor Aaron Lively, who said he grew up with the Wilsons, described the couple as fixtures of the community.
“They were good friends of mine,” he said. “It’s sad that it happened. They were hard-working people trying to make an honest dollar, selling their food. I grew up with them as kids. We all grew up together in the neighborhood.”
How to Help
Anyone with information on Perry’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Michelle Wilson was more than a victim. She was a neighbor, a friend, and a woman chasing something hopeful.
She deserved to see that food truck open.
If you knew Michelle or have information that could help bring her family justice, share it in the comments or call the tip line — every lead matters.