Philadelphia police are searching for three teenage suspects after 16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate was shot and killed inside a Chipotle restroom near Temple University on Jan. 12. Officers found Khyon with a chest wound around 5:15 p.m. and recovered one spent shell casing at the scene; police say at least one shot was fired from a semi-automatic weapon. No arrests have been made and no motive has been determined. The restaurant is temporarily closed and Chipotle has offered counseling to staff while the investigation continues.
16-Year-Old Khyon Smith-Tate Fatally Shot in Chipotle Bathroom Near Temple University — Police Seek Three Teens
Kyle Mazza/UNF News/Shutterstock
Philadelphia police are investigating the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate inside a Chipotle restaurant restroom near Temple University. The shooting occurred on Monday, Jan. 12, during the dinner rush at the restaurant located at 1100 Montgomery Ave.
Officers responded to reports of a person with a gun at about 5:15 p.m. and found Khyon inside a bathroom suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
Investigators recovered one spent shell casing inside the bathroom. "Not only did we find one victim in the bathroom but we also found one spent shell casing," Philadelphia Police Inspector Scott Small said at a media briefing. He added that at least one shot was fired from a semi-automatic weapon.
Suspects Sought
Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help locating three male suspects believed to be between 16 and 17 years old. Descriptions provided by authorities include:
- Suspect 1: Dreadlocks; black coat over a pink hooded sweatshirt; black sweatpants; black sneakers; carrying a red backpack.
- Suspect 2: Black coat; black jeans; black sneakers; carrying a black backpack.
- Suspect 3: Dreadlocks; black coat with a blue hooded sweatshirt; black pants; black sneakers; carrying a dark-colored backpack.
Police said Khyon had been inside the bathroom with at least one of the teens being sought when he was shot. As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made and no motive has been determined; the investigation remains active.
Chipotle Response
"We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at our restaurant on the 1100 block of Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia and we hope the individuals responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," a Chipotle representative said. "The safety of our employees and guests is our top priority."
The restaurant is temporarily closed while authorities continue their inquiry, and the chain has offered counseling services to employees affected by the incident.
Call For Tips
Authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the shooting or the identities and whereabouts of the three teens to contact Philadelphia police. Tips can help advance the investigation and bring answers to the victim's family.
Help us improve.
