A West Philadelphia man has been arrested and charged with homicide after police say he fatally shot a woman and discarded her body in a trash can in the Mill Creek neighborhood late last month.
Authorities identified the suspect as 61-year-old Ricardo Ponds. He was taken into custody by SEPTA Transit Police on Wednesday night at 15th and Market streets. His arrest followed an extensive investigation into the death of 54-year-old Deborah Leatherberry.
Leatherberry’s body was discovered on January 30 inside a garbage can on the 700 block of North 47th Street. The location, near the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center, Mill Creek Playground, and Parkway West High School, was cordoned off as police launched their inquiry into the gruesome discovery.
At the time of the discovery, police were initially unable to identify Leatherberry. However, investigators soon connected the case to Ponds and determined that he had allegedly shot Leatherberry in the head before disposing of her body in the trash can at the park.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing, leaving many unanswered questions about the circumstances leading up to the crime. Investigators continue to examine any potential connections between Ponds and Leatherberry.
Ponds is now facing charges of homicide and related offenses. Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
The violent nature of the crime has unsettled the West Philadelphia community, with many residents expressing concern over safety in the area. The discovery of Leatherberry’s body near a community center and school has heightened fears, prompting discussions about the need for increased security measures and crime prevention initiatives.
Police are urging anyone with further information regarding the case to come forward as they continue their efforts to piece together what led to the tragic incident.
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