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In December, Terrance Wade was found guilty for his role in the North Fifth Street gang’s drug ring. Last month he pled guilty to the murder of a Queen Village man.
In the midst of the James Wright murder trial July 10, Wade, 22, of Southwest Philly, took a plea that will land him in state prison for 25 to 50 years for third-degree murder.
The pair were acquaintances. Wade, who was known to frequent the Courtyard Apartments, South Fourth St., had a problem with Wright’s friend.
“It was James Wright, the victim, and his friend … would sell drugs around the area,” Assistant District Attorney Kirk Handrich said. “Wade would also [sell there], so there was some competition over the drugs. I guess people thought [Wright’s friend] and Wright were making good money at the time.”
After a conversation with the two friends, Wade fired multiple shots into Wright’s chest, arms and torso at 8:36 p.m. May 1, 2011 on the 900 block of South Fourth Street, according to authorities. Wright, 25, of the 300 block of Washington Ave., was pronounced dead about 90 minutes later. Wade was arrested 26 days after the incident.
“Prior to the shooting there wasn’t an argument,” Handrich said. “They actually spoke to each other and then Wade started shooting after Wright walked away from him, so it seems like he had thought about doing it prior to the incident happening.”
He also pled guilty to firearm violations and possession of an instrument of crime, according to court records. In addition to serving time, Wade must obtain his GED and be in school or seek employment upon receiving parole.
Wade also is serving six years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute narcotics and unlawful use of a communication facility, according to court records. He was arrested for his role in the drug ring four months after his homicide arrest. Although the federal and state sentences will run concurrently, his homicide sentence did not begin until the day he pled guilty. He currently is serving his time at Graterford State Prison.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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