12-year-old charged in murder, carjacking of elderly Asian man in Philadelphia

Two teens and a boy of only 12-years-old have been charged with murder and carjacking in Philadelphia, Penn. The three are facing murder charges for the beating death of an elderly Asian man, Chung Yan Chin. The carjacking was in the Mayfair neighborhood on Dec. 2.

After the beating, Chin was taken to the hospital where he was revealed to have a brain injury as well as facial fractures. He died on Dec. 21 as a result of the injuries sustained during the beating, the New York Post reports.

Murder charges were announced by police against the 12-year-old on Tuesday.

Philadelphia prosecutors allege that the three went up to Chin, knocking him to the ground, punching him, and kicking him in the face before driving off in Chin's car, a Toyota Camry.

"Prosecutors say the youths approached the victim on the 3000 block of Teesdale Street and knocked him to the ground, then punched and kicked him in the face before stealing his vehicle," The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The 12-year-old suspect's name has not been released due to his age, but he is being charged with murder as an adult. Northeast Philadelphia resident John Nusslein, 18, was charged with Chin's murder. An arrest warrant has been issued for the other teen allegedly involved, Qiyam Muhammad, who is 16.

They are also accused of tampering with evidence as the three allegedly removed the car's license plate after absconding with the vehicle. Both Nusslein and the 12-year-old are being held without bail.

Nusslein will appear in court in April, while the 12-year-old has a court date scheduled for this week.

Police said during the Tuesday briefing that Philadelphia has had a marked surge in crime reports, and that already 2022 shows an increase in crime from 2021, and double from 2020.

Philadelphia is not alone in seeing reports of an increase in crime, specifically carjackings. New York and Chicago are experiencing similar increases.

In January, Philadelphia police released a guide to the public as to how to not get carjacked.

The guide advises Philadelphians to pay attention when getting in and out of their cars and to take specific note of their surroundings in residential areas, parking lots and garages, at gas stations, ATMs, and streets with poor lighting.

Residents are advised to always give up their car and leave the area, and to avoid confrontation with the carjacker while making mental note of the suspect. Victims are also advised to "let the carjacker know" if there's a child onboard.