By Jack Tomczuk

A woman who was shot early Sunday morning by a pair of Philadelphia police officers while allegedly holding a gun has died of her injuries, authorities said.

Police identified her Monday as 35-year-old Christina Miranda. She was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital just before 4:45 p.m. Sunday, more than 12 hours after the shooting, officials said.

The Philadelphia Police Department, in a statement, said an investigation into the incident “remains in its preliminary stages.” Both officers involved in the exchange have been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the probe, in line with the department’s policies on police-involved shootings.

Law enforcement officials said police were called just before 4:15 a.m. Sunday to the 900 block of W. Erie Avenue in the Hunting Park neighborhood for a report of a person with a gun. They discovered Miranda holding a gun up to the right side of their head, the PPD said.

Officers on the scene ordered Miranda to drop to the weapon, but she refused, police added. One of the officers used a taser on her; however, the device had no effect and Miranda crossed Erie Avenue, authorities said.

At that point, she pointed her gun toward the officers, and two responded by opening fire, according to the PPD’s account. Miranda was struck multiple times, and police took her to Temple Hospital.

Police said a loaded .22 caliber handgun with a destroyed serial number was recovered. Authorities intended to charge Miranda with aggravated assault on police and firearm violations prior to her death, investigators said.

The officers’ body-worn cameras were turned on during the encounter, law enforcement officials stated. Both officers are assigned to the 25th Police District. One, a 35-year-old man, has 17 years on the force, while the other, a 25-year-old man, has been in the PPD for two years.

Authorities said the incident is subject to a pair of internal probes, as well as an investigation by the District Attorney’s Office.

Philadelphia police have killed six people, including Miranda, while on duty this year, up from four in 2024, according to a PPD database.

Keywords

Police Shooting,

Philadelphia Police Department,

Police Involved Shootings,

Aggravated Assault