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PA Woman Found Stuffed In Garbage Can Was Executed With Gunshot To Head: Police

A woman found stuffed inside a garbage can along a Philadelphia highway had been executed with a gunshot to the head, and police say they’ve arrested her killer, according to the release on Friday, Feb. 28.

Ricardo Ponds 

Ricardo Ponds 

 Photo Credit: PPD
Jillian Pikora
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Officers responded to the 700 block of North 47th Street at 9:42 a.m. on Jan. 30 after a passerby made the grim discovery, authorities said.

The victim, later identified as 54-year-old Deborah Leatherberry of Wheeler Street, was pronounced dead at 9:51 a.m. Paramedics initially couldn't determine her age or sex due to the condition of her body, police said. A medical examiner later confirmed she had been shot in the left temple.

Investigators say they tracked down her suspected killer, 61-year-old Ricardo Ponds of Lancaster Avenue. SEPTA officers arrested him without incident at 15th and Market on Feb. 26.

Ponds is facing murder and firearm charges, with additional offenses pending. The investigation is ongoing.

Details about Deborah's life weren't immediately available. Her family is invited to share information with Daily Voice by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.

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