Philadelphia Salon Killing Suspect Smoked Crack, Documents Allege

The man charged over a deadly attack on three women at a Philadelphia beauty salon allegedly lit a crack pipe and smoked it during the assaults, according to newly obtained court documents, local broadcaster 6abc reported on Monday (Nov 9).

Jamal Pistoria, 33, is charged with murder and sexual assault over the attack at the Abba Blessed Beauty Salon on Stenton Avenue near Washington Lane in the city’s East Mount Airy section on the afternoon of Monday, Nov 2.

What police say happened in the Philadelphia salon killing

Police said the suspect entered through the front door, forced three female employees into a back room and locked himself in with them for six minutes.

He allegedly shot one woman, a 34-year-old from New York City, in the head, killing her. Police said he pistol-whipped the other two women and forced one of them to perform sexual acts.

According to police, his gun jammed when he tried to shoot the two surviving women, who then fought back. Surveillance video showed one woman running out, followed by the suspect, who walked away. Police said he took money from the cash register but dropped it on the floor before leaving.

Investigators said the women did not know him and that the attack appeared to be random.

Tracked on 19 cameras

Court documents say investigators tracked the suspect from an hour before the attack on 19 cameras at seven intersections, starting about half a mile from the salon. He allegedly waited in a breezeway behind the salon for seven minutes and left a hooded jacket behind as police arrived. He was later seen on video buying a soda at a nearby store.

His family told police he left home just before the attack and did not return, the documents say. Investigators have not said where they believe he went over the next four days.

A member of the public called 911 at about 1am on Friday (Nov 6) after recognising him boarding a SEPTA bus at Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia. Officers caught up with the bus at Broad and South streets in Center City and arrested him on board without incident.

The slain woman’s husband told reporters he felt relieved by the arrest. “I will never forget her and I need justice,” he said, in remarks translated from Spanish.

Pistoria will remain in prison ahead of a preliminary hearing later in November, 6abc reported.

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