For five months in 2014, the Tenth and Thompson Gang terrorized North Philadelphia neighborhoods during a violent feud with a rival group.
Several shootings led to the death of at least one person, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
On Thursday, 15 alleged members of the TNT Gang were hit with charges that include homicide, firearms violations, aggravated assault and conspiracy after an investigation by the District Attorney's Gun Violence Task Force and a review by an investigating grand jury.
Williams said the charges stem from the alleged gang members' roles in "a violent, ongoing feud and gun battle" that occurred in North Philadelphia between February and June 2014.
During that time period, TNT Gang members allegedly were involved in at least 13 crimes – including a murder and nine shootings that lead to the seizures of 10 illegal firearms, William's office said.
“Members of a group who identify themselves as ‘TNT’ have terrorized the citizens of North Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, literally having gun battles right outside their front doors, for months,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, in a statement released Thursday. “I am committed to protecting and saving lives, especially young black men, and the citizens of Philadelphia should not be afraid to let their children play outside because of gun violence."
The 15 defendants include Rasheed Holcomb, 27, who was charged with criminal conspiracy, murder, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of an instrument of crime and related offenses. He is charged in the killing of Donte Johnson, 24, outside the Galaxy Lounge at Germantown and Rising Sun avenues on June 22, 2014, officials said.
Police reports about the incident note that Johnson was shot in the face and chest.
Two other defendants, Curshawn Banks, 26, and Evette Brooks, 34, were also charged with murder and criminal conspiracy for their alleged roles in Johnson's murder.
Maurice Muldrow, 27, was charged with attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license and related offenses for his involvement in other alleged crimes.
Charged with criminal conspiracy were nine others: Samir Akines, 31; Amir Chippen, 21; Kareem Grant, 25; Rashad Hall, 21; Vincent McClenney, 28; Gregory Nash, 27; Tyreese Scott, 28; Ali Williams, 29; and Hamin Williams Sr., 37.
A statement from William's office, released Thursday, noted that all of those charged identified themselves as members of the gang through "their social media accounts, tattoos and clothing."
• Shooting at the One Tre Bar at 13th and Cambria streets on Feb. 15, 2014, at 1:26 a.m.
• Three arrests for firearm violations at 13th and Lehigh streets on Feb. 17, 2014, at 11:36 p.m. where three weapons were recovered.
• Shooting at 2800 N. Park Ave. at 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2014, where seven fired cartridge casings and three bullets were recovered.
• Shooting at 2700 Park Ave. at 6:21 p.m. on February 19, 2014 where 26 fired cartridge casings from three different firearms were recovered.
• Shooting at 18th Street and Ridge Avenue on Feb. 27, 2014, at 5:40 p.m., where eight fired cartridge casings from two guns were recovered by police.
• Shooting at 900 W. Thompson St. on March 1, 2014, at 11:09 p.m. where 24 fired cartridge casings were recovered from four different handguns.
• Shooting at 2900 N. 13th St. on March 6, 2014, at 11:56 p.m. where two firearms were recovered and 33 fired cartridge casings from four different firearms.
• Shooting at 1124 W. Stiles St. at 7:40 p.m. on March 20, 2014, followed two hours later with an arrest at 1200 N. 11th St.
• Firearm recovered at 1228 N. 10th St. on April 1, 2014, at 7:19 p.m.
• One arrest for firearm violations at 1013 Seybert Mall on April 13, 2014, at 11:21 p.m., with one weapon recovered that matches ballistics from the shooting on Feb. 27, 2014.
• One arrest for firearm violations at 1200 Hutchinson St. on May 14, 2014, at 9:38 p.m. where two weapons were recovered.
• Shooting at 1300 W. Cambria St. on May 27, 2014, at 2:09 a.m. where 14 fired cartridge casings were recovered all from one firearm.
• Homicide of Donte Johnson, 24, outside the Galaxy Lounge at Germantown and Rising Sun avenues on June 22, 2014.
All 15 defendants are in police custody and expected to appear in court for preliminary hearings later Thursday.