Amira Harper, 28, is being mourned by her loved ones as a devoted mother and deeply caring woman whose life was cut short in a heartbreaking act of domestic violence.
Harper was tragically shot and killed on Saturday night, July 19, in front of her children, just five months after marrying the man now accused of taking her life. The incident occurred on the 2600 block of Latona Street in South Philadelphia around 8:40 p.m., turning an otherwise peaceful evening into one of chaos and sorrow.
“I heard arguing and then screaming, followed by gunshots,” said Latifah Holloway, a neighbor and close family friend. Holloway was stunned to learn that the victim was Harper, someone she considered family. “She was a good person and a wonderful mother. My heart is broken,” she added.
Authorities identified the suspect as 28-year-old Zakiyy Bonds, Harper’s husband, who was seen on surveillance footage leaving the scene shortly after the shooting. He has since been arrested and charged with murder.
Family members shared that Harper and Bonds had married in May 2025 and were living together with their children at the Latona Street residence. Tragically, her children were present when the shooting occurred.
Harper leaves behind three young children, and her family continues to grieve the loss of a woman they described as a loving, selfless, and attentive mother. They are now preparing funeral arrangements while struggling to comprehend the devastating turn of events.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, Harper’s death marks the 27th domestic violence-related homicide in the city this year—ten more than the same period last year.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to gather more details. Harper’s family, friends, and community are left to mourn a life taken far too soon.
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