Philadelphia, December 9, 2025
Authorities in Philadelphia are investigating the suspicious death of 93-year-old Lafayette Dailey, found unresponsive in his home. Dailey had lacerations on his head and chest, while personal belongings were reported missing, including his vehicle. Police are searching for his white 2007 Chrysler 300 and urge residents with information to come forward.
Philadelphia, PA
Investigation Underway into Suspicious Death of 93-Year-Old Man in Nicetown
Philadelphia police are investigating the suspicious death of a 93-year-old man identified as Lafayette Dailey, who was found unresponsive in his Nicetown home on December 5, 2025. The victim had lacerations to his head and chest, and personal belongings including his wallet, car keys, and vehicle were reported missing. Authorities are currently searching for his white 2007 Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania license plate GRJ-5294. Residents with any information are encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS.
Details of the Incident
Officers responded to a residence on the 4500 block of North 16th Street at approximately 2:58 p.m. on December 5, 2025. Upon arriving, they found Lafayette Dailey unresponsive inside the home, and medics pronounced him deceased at 3:05 p.m. The investigation has deemed the circumstances surrounding his death suspicious due to his injuries and the absence of personal items. Law enforcement is urging anyone with relevant information to provide assistance to the investigation.
Background Information
Lafayette Dailey was found deceased in his Nicetown home, prompting investigations due to the suspicious nature of his injuries which included lacerations to the head and chest. The missing personal belongings, particularly the vehicle, have raised additional concerns. The Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the case and seeking public assistance to resolve the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Lafayette Dailey?
Lafayette Dailey, a 93-year-old man, was found unresponsive in his Nicetown home on December 5, 2025. He had lacerations to his head and chest, and his wallet, car keys, and vehicle were missing. The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating his death as suspicious.
What is the missing vehicle associated with this case?
The missing vehicle is a white 2007 Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania license plate GRJ-5294. The Philadelphia Police Department is actively searching for this vehicle as part of their investigation into Lafayette Dailey’s death.
How can I provide information about this case?
Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the missing vehicle is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS. All tips will be confidential.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Lafayette Dailey |
| Age | 93 |
| Location of Incident | 4500 block of North 16th Street, Nicetown, Philadelphia |
| Date of Discovery | December 5, 2025 |
| Time of Discovery | Approximately 2:58 p.m. |
| Cause of Death | Lacerations to head and chest; death considered suspicious |
| Missing Items | Wallet, car keys, and vehicle |
| Missing Vehicle Description | White 2007 Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania license plate GRJ-5294 |
| Investigation Status | Active; seeking public assistance |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
