Philly Carjacking Crew Faces Justice in Marine’s Death

PHILADELPHIA – A five-man carjacking ring operating in Philadelphia has been brought down after a federal jury delivered guilty verdicts on charges ranging from murder to armed robbery. The crew wasn’t just stealing rides; prosecutors proved the stolen vehicles were shipped overseas, fueling a lucrative international resale operation.

Mikal McCracken, 24, the alleged ringleader known as “Kal,” faces the most severe penalties. Jurors found him directly responsible for the February 2022 murder of a former Marine during a carjacking. The evidence painted a brutal picture: McCracken and three others didn’t stop at theft – they executed the victim. He was also convicted of conspiring to silence a potential witness, a chilling escalation of their criminal behavior. McCracken was linked to an additional 20 carjackings, five involving gunfire, with one victim targeted twice within a month.

Alongside McCracken, Amin Muse, 24, Aleem Abdul-Hakim, 23, Dean Fosque, 28, and Kavon Coleman, 23, all face lengthy sentences. Muse was convicted in connection to the Marine’s death and the witness intimidation plot, alongside eight other armed carjackings. Fosque faces repercussions for nine armed carjackings, including three shootings – one victim was actually struck by gunfire. Coleman was convicted for his role in four carjacking attempts and completions.

Prosecutors successfully argued this wasn’t random street crime. It was a calculated, ruthless operation driven by profit, with a blatant disregard for human life. Sentencing dates have not been announced, but each defendant now faces years behind bars.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice