Philly Tow Truck Driver Charged in Murders of 2 Other Towers, Suspected in 3rd

Police say Najee Williams, 27, should be considered 'armed and dangerous'

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Philadelphia police are searching for a tow truck driver named Najee Williams, 27, who is suspected of shooting and killing two competitors in separate incidents in December 2025 and January 2026. Authorities also believe Williams may be connected to the murder of another tow truck driver in November 2025, though they have not officially charged him in that case yet.

Why it matters

Tow truck driver violence is an ongoing issue in major cities, with drivers often competing for lucrative contracts and territory. These types of crimes can disrupt essential services, endanger public safety, and raise concerns about the regulation and oversight of the towing industry.

The details

In the first incident on December 22, 2025, police found 20-year-old David Garcia-Morales inside his tow truck with critical injuries from gunshot wounds to the neck and thigh. He died four days later at Temple University Hospital. The second shooting occurred on January 11, when police discovered 25-year-old Aaron Whitfield dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body, also inside his tow truck. A 21-year-old woman was also shot in the leg but survived. Authorities have charged Williams with murder, firearms, conspiracy, possessing an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.

  • On December 22, 2025, police found David Garcia-Morales shot inside his tow truck.
  • On January 11, 2026, police found Aaron Whitfield shot dead inside his tow truck.

The players

Najee Williams

A 27-year-old tow truck driver who owns NKW Towing & Recovery and is suspected of shooting and killing two competitors in separate incidents.

David Garcia-Morales

A 20-year-old tow truck driver who was shot and killed inside his tow truck on December 22, 2025.

Aaron Whitfield

A 25-year-old tow truck driver who was shot and killed inside his tow truck on January 11, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We believe there's some kind of connection there. We're not ready to go on record to say this is a part of that homicide, but we are working towards that direction.”

— Ernest Ransom, Commander, Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit (WCAU)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Najee Williams to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing violence and competition within the towing industry, raising concerns about public safety and the need for greater regulation and oversight of tow truck operators in major cities.