Delaware man sentenced to decades for killing North Philly security guard

Wayne Dorylis showed no remorse and blamed the courts and 'the system' for the shooting death of Nassir Day.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing from a handgun, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the deadly aftermath of a violent crime.A single spent shell casing from the gun used in a tragic act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of unchecked anger and mental health issues.Philadelphia Today

A Delaware man named Wayne Dorylis has been sentenced to 25 to 52 years in prison for the 2021 shooting death of Nassir Day, a 26-year-old security guard in North Philadelphia. Dorylis, 64, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, weapons, and terroristic threat charges after walking into a social services center wearing homemade pipe guns and fatally shooting Day, who tried to stop him. During the emotional sentencing hearing, Dorylis threw a tantrum in court, blaming the shooting on the courts and 'the system' and cursing at the judge, prosecutors, and his own defense attorneys.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for improved security and safety measures in public buildings. It also raises questions about mental health resources and support for individuals who may pose a threat to public safety.

The details

On October 1, 2021, Wayne Dorylis, a 64-year-old Delaware resident, walked into the Pathways to Housing building in North Philadelphia's Logan neighborhood wearing homemade pipe guns. Security guard Nassir Day, 26, tried to stop Dorylis, but was fatally shot. Dorylis pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, weapons, and terroristic threat charges. During the sentencing hearing, Dorylis showed no remorse and instead blamed the courts and 'the system' for the shooting, cursing at the judge, prosecutors, and his own defense attorneys.

  • On October 1, 2021, Dorylis fatally shot Nassir Day inside the Pathways to Housing building.
  • On April 17, 2026, Dorylis was sentenced to 25 to 52 years in prison for the shooting.

The players

Wayne Dorylis

A 64-year-old Delaware resident who pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, weapons, and terroristic threat charges for the 2021 shooting death of Nassir Day.

Nassir Day

A 26-year-old security guard who was fatally shot by Dorylis while working at the Pathways to Housing building in North Philadelphia.

Judge Charles Ehrlich

The judge who sentenced Dorylis to 25 to 52 years in prison, calling his behavior 'vile and disgusting' and describing the incident as a 'mass shooting in the making'.

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What they’re saying

“This incident was a 'mass shooting in the making' and that it was for 'but the grace of God' that more people weren't killed.”

— Judge Charles Ehrlich, Presiding Judge

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing need for improved security and mental health resources to prevent such incidents of gun violence in public spaces. It also underscores the devastating impact these crimes can have on victims, their families, and the broader community.