Chester cops probe two homicides in a week

CHESTER» Police are seeking leads in two homicides in the last week.

On Saturday, at approximately 2:41 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of the 2200 block of Crosby Street for a report of shots fired. Moments later the call was upgraded to a shooting.

Upon arrival to the area, police found the victim, identified as Balir Starkey, 34, lying on the sidewalk across from 2218 Crosby St. He appeared to have suffered numerous gunshot wounds, and was bleeding profusely. Paramedics were on location and began to treat the victim. He was transported to Crozer-Chester Medical

Center where he received further intense treatment. A short time later, he died from his injuries.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are urged to contact Chester Detective Joseph McFate at 610-447-8428 or jmcfate234@chesterpolice.org, or county Detective Timothy Deery at 610-891-8030 or deeryt@co.delaware.pa.us.

It was the 29th homicide in Chester this year.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, approximately 6:43 a.m. police were dispatched to the area of Front and Norris atreets for a report of a subject down. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the caller who stated that there is an unconscious and wounded female on the foot path located in the 1400 block of Front Street. Police discovered the victim, who was identified as Niama Ishmail, 25. She appeared to have sustained a single gunshot wound to her head and facial area. She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from CrozerChester Medical Center.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are urged to contact Chester Detective Michael Canfield at 610-447-7813 or

mcanfield268@chesterpolice.org, or county Detective Daniel McFarland at 610

891-4716 or mcfarlandd@ co.delaware.pa.us.

This was the 28th homicide in Chester this year.