Teen Accused Of Killing An Army Veteran

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Authorities in Philadelphia charge a 14-year-old girl with the murder of a 59-year-old army veteran. A 14-year-old girl, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, is accused of killing Al Chernoff, a veteran of the US Army who rescued animals. The man was found partially tied to his bed and was the victim of a brutal beating. PEOPLE confirmed that the teenager is in police custody after being caught by security cameras walking inside Chernoff's home on the day of the murder.

The teenager faces charges of murder, robbery and obstruction of justice, among others. According to investigators, Chernoff was found dead in his bed Tuesday morning. Authorities suspect that he was killed Monday night. In addition to being beaten, the man was stabbed in the chest.

The teenager turned herself in to police on Thursday after video was released from security cameras showing her walking through Chernoff's house, washing her hands in the kitchen and checking the refrigerator.

Chernoff was known in his community as a man dedicated to rescuing animals, who had more than 10 cats living in his house, in addition to turtles and frogs. Police Commissioner Christine Coulter spoke to the press and said it had been "a very brutal murder".

His friend Angelo Ruffo assured NBC 10 about Chernoff: “Al was literally one of the best person I have ever met. He helped with everything one needed. He was known for building houses for the city's wild and stray cats. He was a good man.”