Police say Imani Ringgold was not the intended target when gunmen opened fire from a Mazda.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A 24-year-old man has been arrested in the April 7 killing of Imani Ringgold, a 20-year-old home health aide who police say was shot while walking with pizza in West Philadelphia.
Hamza Ruley was taken into custody Thursday in a case police have described as a mistaken-identity shooting near 60th and Market streets. Investigators say two other named suspects remain at large as detectives continue to review video, recovered evidence and the movements of a black Mazda SUV linked to the attack.
The shooting happened shortly after 6 p.m. on April 7 in the 5900 block of Market Street. Police said a Mazda carrying four people pulled up near a group, and three people got out and opened fire. Ringgold, who relatives said had recently started work as a home health aide, had stopped for pizza and was on the phone with her grandmother when gunfire broke out. Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said the shooters appeared to be firing at people in the crowd and that Ringgold was an innocent victim.
Ringgold was shot 18 times and later died from her injuries, police said. A 55-year-old woman and a man in his 20s were also wounded and were reported in stable condition. Investigators said surveillance video showed Ringgold walking with a pizza box before the Mazda arrived. One shooter was seen continuing to fire after she fell, police said. The Mazda was later found abandoned in the 5700 block of Sansom Street. Police said they also searched for a second vehicle believed to be linked to the gunmen.
Police identified Mustafa King, 26, and Zaire Manning, 21, as suspects in the case. Both remained wanted after Ruley’s arrest. Authorities have said a fourth person was also in the Mazda, but that person’s identity had not been released. Investigators said search warrants and other evidence helped lead them to the suspects. Detectives have not publicly said what led to Ruley’s arrest or whether he gave a statement after being taken into custody.
Ruley faces charges including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy and firearms offenses, according to reports on the case. He remained in custody at the Philadelphia Department of Prisons on $1 million bail. His next court date is scheduled for June 1. Police have continued to seek King and Manning as the homicide investigation moves forward. Officials previously announced reward money for information leading to arrests and convictions in the case.
Relatives said Ringgold had only been at her new job for about two weeks and did not live in the area. Her aunt, Lynette Ringgold, described her as sweet, caring and excited about the future. Her grandmother, Dietra Bynum, said she was on the phone with Ringgold during the shooting. “She didn’t even scream,” Bynum said. “Her phone dropped, and I just kept calling her name.” Family members said Ringgold was preparing to celebrate her 21st birthday and had talked about traveling.
The case now stands with one suspect jailed, two named suspects still being sought and detectives continuing to examine evidence from the April 7 shooting. Ruley’s next scheduled court appearance is June 1.
Author note: Last updated May 15, 2026.