Teen Brothers Murdered Inside Home Over Drugs, Police Say - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Teen Brothers Murdered Inside Home Over Drugs, Police Say

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PHILADELPHIA -

As friends came to pay their respects for two teenage boys gunned down in their own home, neighbors tried to come to grips with the violence that just rocked their Overbrook Park community.

"You hear about it all over the city, all over everywhere, but not on our street. Not in our neighborhood," said neighbor Roberta Purcell.

Police now say 17-year-old Christopher Malcolm and his 13-year-old brother, Rohan "Sonny" Bennett, seen in photos from Twitter and Facebook, were shot to death during an argument over drugs. After the murders, police found over $100,000 in cash, 1,700 prescription pills and four guns inside.

"Sounds like a house that was selling a large amount of narcotics," said Narcotics Unit Capt. James Kelly. "They had a pretty good business going there."

Homicide Captain James Clark said, "we know the shooter is seen fleeing the property with a large bag. He fled the area."

The boys' parents are also being questioned because the drugs and money were found in their bedroom.

"I do believe mom and dad probably will both be arrested for the drugs," Clark added.

While police say this was the work of a lone gunman, sources say an increase in home invasions across the city may be related to drug gangs unable to get their hands on large supplies of narcotics, so they turn to home invasions to make a big score. On Wednesday morning, a 76-year-old woman on Large Street had her jewelry robbed in a home invasion.

"It's certainly something that is understandable if that is going on," said Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "I could see that playing out."

Ramsey says there's another tough lesson to be learned from this drug-related double murder: "You engage in that kind of behavior,  bad things happen."

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