PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Philadelphia resident has been indicted on serious federal charges, including conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. The case centers on allegations of a violent incident that ended tragically.
According to an indictment announced by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, 34-year-old Tyheem Tyler was charged on March 14 after an investigation led by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department. The charges stem from an alleged sequence of events in March 2023 involving the robbery and abduction of Wey Um, resulting in his death.
Prosecutors allege that Tyler participated in a March 6, 2023, armed robbery at Wey Um’s business in Philadelphia. Later, in the early morning of March 31, Tyler and his co-conspirators are accused of abducting Um from outside his residence, transporting him in a Ford Explorer to a location near the Delaware River, where the victim was found deceased.
The charges include conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping resulting in death, and aiding and abetting. Authorities allege the crimes involved means of interstate commerce, a factor in the federal prosecution. If convicted, Tyler could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The legal proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everett Witherell and Timothy Lanni. The defense has not issued a response to the allegations, and Tyler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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