Triple murder this morning follows 2 more yesterday

Two murders in the city yesterday were followed by even more carnage - a triple slaying in North Philadelphia this morning, according to police.

The five gun deaths raise the year's homicide total to 192, up from 177 as of this date last year, police said.

Today's shootings happened outside at about 2:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of Sixth Street, near the intersection with Oxford Street.

One of the victims, Bruce Burman, 23, lived on that block. The other two have been identified as Sean White, 19, of 1400 North Marshall Street, and Bobby Lundy, 25, of the 6400 block of North Broad Street, according to Officer Beth DiDonato.

All three were hit by gunfire multiple times and were pronounced dead at the scene, Homicide Sgt. William Gallagher said.

At 11:16 last night, police responding to the sound of gunfire in the 400 block of North Sickels Street, found a man who'd been shot in the chest, arm and groin. He was pronounced dead a dozen minutes later at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Police were still trying to figure out his identity this morning.

Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 5, Theophilius Mason, 46, was gunned down near his home in the 200 block of North Paxon Street. Shot in the chest, back and arm, he was pronounced dead at 5:36 p.m. at HUP.

How many gunmen were involved in this morning's triple murder is still under investigation, Gallagher said.

Police are hoping that neighbors, after hearing the shots, may have witnessed helpful details. Anyone will any information on this case, or other cases, is asked to call homicide detectives at 215-686-3334 or 215-686-3335.

Even minor details might be helpful, Gallagher said, calling the shootings " senseless."