Philadelphia Man Wanted for 2 Murders Was Deported Before Arrest, Police Say
Philadelphia police say a nearly four-year investigation has identified 27-year-old Jiwandy Gonzales as the suspect in two homicides and three additional non-fatal shootings — but when officers went to arrest him, they learned he had already been deported.
Gonzales is accused in the May 30, 2022 mass shooting during a “boom party” on the 2900 block of East Tioga Street.
That night:
• 16-year-old Andrea De Los Santos was killed
• 22-year-old Pamela Mejero-Medina was killed
• A 14-year-old girl and a 21-year-old man were also shot and injured
Police say the 21-year-old man was the intended target and had previously been shot about a month earlier. Investigators said a lack of cooperation at the time made it difficult to bring charges.
The case was re-examined by the Philadelphia Police Special Investigation Unit, created in July 2025 after a separate mass shooting. With approval from the District Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued on February 3.
But when officers attempted to take Gonzales into custody, they discovered he had been deported to the Dominican Republic in January 2025.
Police are now working with the FBI to bring him back to the United States. Officials say extradition could take months.
Andrea’s family says they continue to pray for justice.
Anyone with information is urged to call 215-686-TIPS. Anonymous tips are accepted.
