Quasheam Richburg, who was twice arrested for violent criminal behavior and illegal possession of a weapon — and twice let free when witnesses failed to appear in court — is now sought in connection with the early morning robbery and murder of a 50-year-old clerk at Trax Foods store in Kensington South.
On Monday, June 6, police released the identity of a second individual, 17-year-old Marvell Hargrove, sought in connection to this murder. They also announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of Richburg.
The crime occurred just before 3 a.m. on May 26 at the 24-hour convenience store at Front Street and Girard Avenue.
Last Friday, police said that Richburg, 20, of the 2500 block of Ridge Drive — near 27th Street and Ridge Avenue — is the suspect believed to have gunned down store clerk Moustafa Shaker last week.
Shortly after the murder, police released video in which two men can be seen storming into the convenience store at 1204 N. Front St. at about 2:53a.m. on May 26.
Police identified Richburg as the one who carried a shotgun during the assault.
On Monday, police named the second suspect, who was clad entirely in black during the incident, as Marvell Hargrove, 17, with last known addresses along the 2400 block of North 28th St. and 1900 block of North 25th St.
A surveillance camera captured video, available at www.phillypolice.com, of the men confronting Shaker.
According to officer Tanya Little, a Police Department spokeswoman, law enforcement officials believe it is Hargrove that can be seen demanding money in surveillance footage while a taller man points a sawed-off shotgun at Shaker.
Police believe Richburg held the gun and fatally shot Shaker.
At some point during the robbery, police said, after Shaker refused to give them money, the robbers tried to take the register. Police said at that time, Shaker attempted to flee.
That’s when Richburg opened fire, hitting Shaker once in the head.
After the first shot, the assailants initially began to flee the store, only to stop a few feet away before turning back and heading inside.
A frighteningly clear image of the man police now believe to be Richburg can be seen in surveillance footage.
It shows the gunman standing in the doorway of the store, coldly raising the gun before firing one more time into the shop.
At that point, the man police believe to be Hargrove ran into the store and headed off camera. After he returned to view, both men fled on foot.
Shaker died at the scene.
In July 2010, Richburg was charged with robbery, terroristic threats, simple assault, theft and false imprisonment — only to have those charges later dropped when a witness twice failed to testify, according to court documents.
He was arrested again in November 2010 and charged with robbery, carrying a firearm without a license, theft, simple assault and reckless endangerment following a Nov. 12 incident.
Again, charges were withdrawn when a witness failed to appear in court.
More recently, in April, Richburg was arrested for openly carrying a firearm without a license.
According to police, Hargrove is known to frequent 2500 Ridge Ave. and may be in company of Richburg.
Police are asking anyone who might have information on Richburg’s whereabouts or might have information that could lead to an arrest to contact the Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit at 215–686–3334 or call 911.
Reporter Hayden Mitman can be reached at 215–354–3124 or hmitman@bsmphilly.com
