The Parent Trap: Lawncrest sees end to celebration

It was July 4th and the street was quiet – too quiet. It’s been four years since we left our little home in Lawncrest, and we are still not used to the serenity of the Far Northeast, after living just a couple of blocks away from Independence Day central for Northeast Philadelphia.

“Everything changes,” I call out to my wife, as I finish placing our American flag in its holder. Even though we are now miles away, we still mourned the news that after 93 years, the Lawncrest July 4th parade and fireworks display were cancelled, probably never to return.

UPDATE: Christopher Russell wanted for more crimes

Courtesy of CBS3

By Shannon McDonald

As NEastPhilly.com previously reported, Christopher Russell was arrested in late March in connection with attacks on elderly women in Lawndale and Lawncrest.

Now, police say Russell is suspected of committing more crimes – some violent. The 33-year-old is also a suspect in 24 other crimes, including two murders and 20 home invasions, which Northeast Detectives are looking into. Russell had 23 prior arrests when police picked him up last month.

The Parent Trap: worrying never ends

We all worry. It doesn’t matter if our young child is picked up by a van to go spend the morning at daycare, or our teenagers grab the SEPTA bus to be on time at North Catholic, George Washington, or one of the many high schools in Northeast Philadelphia. The worry only increases when they move their belongings to a college, get married and start a family of their own. The parent trap has a hold of you, and there is no way out.

“Parenting – It never ends… It NEVER ends,” says Jason Robards in the movie ‘Parenthood’. “It’s like your Aunt Edna’s ass. It goes on forever and it’s just as frightening.”

Attacks on elderly women in Lawncrest and Lawndale

By Shannon McDonald

UPDATE: Christopher Russell was arrested yesterday in connection with the attacks. His possible accomplice has not been named or arrested.

Courtesy of KYW

Police say 33-year-old Christopher Russell is responsible for at least seven attacks against elderly women in the Lawndale and Lawncrests neighborhoods.

The attacks began September 2008, and have been increasing in frequency, the most recent one occurring just last week. Russell follows elderly women on their way home from shopping and assualts them as they enter their homes. Victims have reported being thrown to the ground, and some were punched repeatedly. Police say Russell has a gun, but has not used it thus far. All of the victims were between 61 and 83 years old.

Elderly women are being encouraged to be aware of the surroundings, avoid traveling alone and report suspicious activity.

You can view the list of the attacks on 6abc.com.