Man charged with murder after woman's body found in West Philadelphia trash can

Ricardo Ponds, a 61-year-old man from West Philadelphia, was arrested on February 26 for the murder of Deborah Leatherberry, a 54-year-old woman whose body was found in a garbage can on January 30. Police discovered Leatherberry's body in the 700 block of North 47th Street, where she had died from a gunshot wound to the left temple. Ponds was apprehended by SEPTA Transit Police at 15th and Market Streets and is facing murder charges along with related offenses. The investigation did not immediately reveal a motive for the killing. Leatherberry was a resident of Southwest Philadelphia. The case has raised concerns about safety in the area as authorities continue to investigate.