PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A man whose murder conviction was overturned in 2021 is now wanted in connection with two homicides in two states.
Police across the East Coast are searching for 31-year-old Arkel Garcia, who authorities say could be anywhere between Florida and Philadelphia and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Garcia was originally sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of killing 21-year-old Christian Massey in West Philadelphia in 2013. Police said at the time that Garcia shot Massey in the chest while attempting to steal a pair of Beats headphones.
His conviction was later thrown out in 2021 after prosecutors argued the case had been tainted by the involvement of former Philadelphia homicide detective Philip Nordo.
Nordo was found guilty of using his position to intimidate and groom male suspects and witnesses into sexual acts.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office requested that the court vacate his sentence, and a judge agreed.
Massey’s family said the decision devastated them.
“I mean, we talk about all the time that the system doesn’t work right or it’s broken, and things like this really show that it is because dangerous people that you can prove are dangerous are still just walking around on the streets,” Massey’s cousin, Pebble Hill, said in an interview Friday.
Garcia remained in prison for three additional years on a separate assault charge before being released last fall. Now, police say he is wanted in connection with two more homicides.
On Nov. 12, investigators say Garcia robbed and killed 58-year-old David Weinkopff inside his apartment on the 4900 block of Stenton Avenue. Neighbors told police Weinkopff used a wheelchair. He was found with multiple cuts and bruises to his face and head.
“So this is an individual that we consider highly dangerous due to his pattern of violence,” said Robert Clark, a supervisory deputy U.S. marshal.
Authorities in Florida say Garcia is also wanted for questioning in a Nov. 28 homicide in Fort Pierce. The 51-year-old victim died from blunt force trauma and smoke inhalation after his home was set on fire.
“To be adjudicated for one homicide and then to commit two more homicides within 15 days, this is somebody that needs to be captured quickly,” Clark said.
“So now hearing what he’s just done to another person that’s a part of a vulnerable population. He was an older man. My cousin was a special needs young man. So it’s just sad, and it just seems like this is what he does. He preys on vulnerable people,” Massey’s sister said.
Garcia was last seen in St. Lucie County, Florida, on Nov. 29, according to the sheriff’s office there. His last known address is believed to be on the 1800 block of W. Glennwood Avenue in Philadelphia. Police urge anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately.
Massey’s family said they hope the renewed attention will prompt prosecutors to reopen the 2013 case.
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