Two Men Charged in South Philadelphia Shooting

Salvatore Branco, 27, and Rhett Mazza, 37, have been charged in connection with a South Philadelphia shootout on July 25 that injured a 72-year-old woman and killed a dog. The District Attorney's Office reported that the two men exchanged approximately 20 gunshots around 5 p.m. on Porter Street, causing panic among residents, many of whom were walking dogs or playing nearby. Branco is also accused of straw purchasing 11 firearms, three of which have appeared in criminal cases, including a homicide. Following the incident, Branco turned himself in to police and surrendered the weapon used in the shooting. Both men face multiple charges, including aggravated assault and violations of firearms laws, with preliminary hearings scheduled for late August and September.