RELEASE: District Attorney Krasner Announces Charges Against North Philly Man for Five Murders Spanning From 2011 to 2017


CONTACT:
Jane Roh, District Attorney’s Office, 215–686–8711, Jane.Roh@phila.gov
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 4, 2019) — District Attorney Larry Krasner on Monday announced multiple homicide and other charges filed against Michael Blackston (DOB: 01/31/90) for his role in the shooting murders of five individuals from June 2011 through September 2017, following the recommendations of the 30th Philadelphia County Investigating Grand Jury.
Blackston was arrested and charged this weekend after the grand jury issued recommendations as part of a years-long investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit and the District Attorney’s Office.
“My office has filed homicide and other charges against Michael Blackston for his role in the murders of five individuals from 2011 through 2017,” District Attorney Krasner said. “I thank the Philadelphia Police Department, especially Detective John Verrecchio, and ADA Matthew Krouse for their hard work to resolve these cases. The District Attorney’s Office looks forward to prosecuting all individuals who are responsible for these crimes.”
Michael Blackston has been charged with five counts of homicide, five counts of Possession of Firearms Prohibited (F2), five counts of Carrying Firearm Without a License (F3), five counts of Carrying a Firearm on the Public Streets (M1), three counts of Conspiracy, and one count of Possession of an Instrument of Crime (M1). This investigation is active and ongoing, and the grand jury presentment remains under seal. The District Attorney’s Office will have no further comment before trial.
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecution of over 40,000 criminal cases annually.

