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3w ago

Philadelphia Homeowner Charged After Contractor Is Killed During Siding Work

Federal officials say the slain contractor was in the United States without authorization and tied to a UK‑Ireland fraud network; investigators are probing disputed payments and physical evidence at the scene.

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George Barr allegedly shot and killed construction worker Salis Hanrahan before taking his dog for a walk, and now faces a murder charge in Philadelphia. (KYW/CNN/CNN Newsource/Philadelphia Police Department)
George Barr allegedly shot and killed construction worker Salis Hanrahan before taking his dog for a walk, and now faces a murder charge in Philadelphia. (KYW/CNN/CNN Newsource)

Overview

  • Police say 20‑year‑old contractor Salis Hanrahan was shot in the chest while working at a Roxborough home and later died at a hospital after being found by first responders.
  • Investigators recovered a firearm, ammunition, a rifle fitted with a bayonet, a blood trail leading outside the house, and paperwork from the job as they examine what led to the shooting.
  • Authorities say the shooting occurred during siding work and that the homeowner, 75‑year‑old George Barr, was arrested, arraigned on murder and related charges, and is being held in custody.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed Hanrahan was denied an ESTA and was not authorized to be in the U.S. after officials linked him to the so‑called "Traveling Conmen," a UK‑ and Ireland‑based group the FBI has described as targeting homeowners with fraudulent contracting schemes.
  • Media reports and neighbors say investigators are reviewing claims of disputed payments and large demands for work that may have escalated the dispute, and police say the homicide probe remains active as the case moves through the courts.