Felon Wanted For Striking 14-Year-Old Dead Captured By US Marshals

The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed 14-year-old Dawn Watson has been arrested, US Marshals in Philadelphia announced on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Marvin Wicker being arrested by US Marshals, Dawn Watson who who is accused of killing in a hit-and-run, and Wicker's previous mugshot from his wanted poster.
Photo Credit: *Twitter/X: U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia @USMS_Philly;PDD (right overlay); Courtesy of GoFundMe Support for Dawn's Memorial Celebration/Jada Anderson (center overlay)*

Marvin Anthony Wicker (left), and Dawn Watson (right).
Photo Credit: *PDD (left); Courtesy of GoFundMe Support for Dawn's Memorial Celebration/Jada Anderson (right)*

by Merriell Moyer & Jillian Pikora

10/10/2024 7:00 p.m.

Marvin Anthony Wicker, 40, of Philadelphia, previously on Aldon, was wanted for striking and killing Dawn Watson as she was crossing the street with her mom in the 6500 block of Haverford Avenue at 9:38 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, PPD explained.

Watson, 14, of the 900 block of North 66th Avenue in Philly, was crossing the street with her mom when a dark vehicle traveling east at a high rate of speed struck the girl and fled the scene, the Philadelphia Police Department said.

The striking vehicle — a 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 — was located by the Crash Investigation Division on Monday, Sept. 30, the Philadelphia Police Department said in an updated police release on Tuesday, Oct. 1, as Daily Voice previously reported.

"Wicker is wanted on charges of Homicide by Vehicle and related offenses after fleeing the scene of the crash," the police stated in the updated release, adding, "He may be operating a silver, 2-door Chevrolet Cobalt and is considered armed and dangerous."

The investigation is ongoing by the Crash Investigation Division.

Watson was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:46 p.m., PPD detailed.

"Our hearts are broken beyond words after the tragic loss of my little sister, Dawn Watson," Jada Anderson, Watson's sister, said in a GoFundMe campaign she started to help with funeral and memorial expenses. "Her laughter and love filled our lives with so much joy, and now there is an unimaginable emptiness without her."

Click here to view or donate to the GoFundMe.

Authorities had urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid approaching Wicker. "He is known to frequent the area of 5900 Haverford Avenue," police said.

Wicker has a criminal record in Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia for firearms and drug offenses, aggravated assault, indecent assault, disorderly conduct, previous court dockets show.

In addition to this fatal hit and run, Wicker was wanted for retail theft, receiving stolen property, flee from police, drug-offensives, driving under the influence, speeding, careless driving, and additional drug, theft, and driving-offenses, according to court records.

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