Does This Photo Show the Suspects in Gay Beating Having Dinner at La Viola?


Former Real Housewives of New Jersey castmate Greg Bennett tweeted this photo that he claims — because of similarities in clothing — includes some of the alleged suspects in the hate crime that happened on Thursday in Center City.

Bennett did not want to confirm who sent him the picture, but from the image it appears it was taken at La Viola West at 252 South 16th Street, not far from where the attack happened at 16th and Chancellor streets. We reached out to management, which confirmed they had a large party on the night of the attack; they could not, however, confirm whether the photo was taken that night. They also said they do not know who made the reservation, as they tear up their reservation list each night. They say they have not heard from police.

Below, the interior of La Viola West, taken from their web site:

From the Philadelphia Police:

To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.
All tips will be confidential.

If you have any information about this crime or these suspects, please contact:
Central Detective Division
Det. Domenic #9140
Det. Waring #8101
215-686-3047
DC# 14-09-036141

Previously: Penn 6 Offers $10K Reward in Arrest of Center City Hate Crime
Previously: Police Release Video of Suspects in Attack of Two Gay Men in Center City
Previously: Police Seek Information About Possible Homophobic Attack
Previously: Pictures Released of Alleged Assailants in Center City Attack
Previously: Gay Men Attacked in Center City Released From Hospital With “Serious Visible Injuries”

Note: A previous version of this story identified the restaurant as La Viola. In fact, it is La Viola West.