By Basant El-Faramawy
A manhunt is underway for 33-year-old Jamal Pistoria after he allegedly entered a Philadelphia salon on Monday, fatally shot an employee and sexually assaulted two other women before fleeing the scene.
Suspect identified and charged
Police have charged Pistoria with murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery and multiple firearm offenses. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with ties to the 1500 block of Tulpehocken Street. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Assault details
According to investigators, Pistoria entered ABBA Blessed Beauty Salon, drew a firearm and forced a worker from the front register into a rear kitchenette where two other employees were present, locking all three inside. He allegedly pistol-whipped the victims, forced one woman to perform a sexual act and shot 34-year-old Bellaniri Ofelia Hernandez-Camil, who died. The six-minute assault ended when the two surviving women realized the gun was no longer firing, fought back and overcame him. Pistoria then took an item from the cash register and fled.
Manhunt and surveillance
Surveillance footage captured Pistoria at a convenience store buying a soda shortly after the attack. Authorities identified him after acquaintances confirmed his identity. Police are urging the public not to engage with him and to contact authorities immediately with any information on his whereabouts.
Community response
Assistant District Attorney Jeff Hojnowski warned that Pistoria is dangerous and should not be approached. Councilman Anthony Phillips called the incident a heinous tragedy. A makeshift memorial has been set up outside the salon for Hernandez-Camil, and the District Attorney’s CARES Unit is providing support to the victims and the deceased victim’s husband.
