Amanda Velez heard a loud bang, then screams of her youngest daughter, inside their North Philadelphia home.

"In a matter of seconds, I’m using the restroom, I hear a loud bang, and I heard glass shatter, and I heard my youngest daughter, who’s two years old she was screaming," Velez told NBC10 in an interview Thursday.

Then, she said, "I heard my son say, 'Mommy.'"

Velez picked up her son, Adrian Ortega, and a shard of glass fell to the floor, she said.

"I lift him up and I saw blood," she said.

Adrian, 4, suffered a fatal wound from the piece of broken glass, which came from a large picture frame that had shattered.

Velez rushed the boy Wednesday afternoon from the house in the 3200 block of North Reese Street to the nearest hospital.

"They tried to do everything," she said. "They said they were trying to stabilize him, so he could go to the surgery room. But he wasn't strong enough."

Adrian was pronounced dead at St. Christopher’s Hospital shortly before 5 p.m.

It’s been nearly 30 years since the "Frankford Slasher" terrorized Philadelphia, killing at least eight women whose murders still remain a mystery. Decades later, police are re-examining existing DNA evidence that could, finally, lead to solving the case.

The Frankford killing spree dominated headlines from 1985 to 1990. With a serial killer on the loose, North Philadelphia residents were always on the lookout, according to Walt Hunter, a longtime city reporter who covered the slayings.

“The people who lived in Frankford would find themselves looking at the person next to them on the bar stool or coming down the street,” Hunter, who retired after decades with KYW-TV, said in an interview. “You had a predator with a sixth sense of the vulnerabilities of these women.”

Tune to NBC10 News at 11 p.m. tonight for the full story into the mystery of the "Frankford Slasher," and how police now believe the wrong man was identified as a serial killer.

All the victims were similar - white women who frequented bars along three specific blocks of Frankford Avenue between Wakeling and Bridge streets. Each victim was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death.

Philadelphia police identified a possible suspect — a middle-aged white man who called himself a minister. He disappeared sometime after investigators questioned him but not before a DNA sample was taken.

That sample is currently being compared to DNA from the various victims using technology that was not available in 1990, police said.

The Philadelphia Police Department declined to comment on the Frankford slasher case, which remains open.

Despite those efforts, it’s too late for Leonard Christopher, a black man who was arrested and convicted of murdering 46-year-old Carol Dowd in 1990. Her disemboweled body was found in an alley behind a fish market where Christopher worked. She was the eighth woman who died in a way consistent with homicides associated with the Frankford Slasher.

“They were all Caucasian, lived in the area, had a history of mental illness or drug dependency,” attorney Marissa Bluestine from the Innocence Project of Pennsylvania said.  “They were women on the edges of society.”

Dowd’s murder is the only one that ever went to trial, she added.

Christopher maintained his innocence from the beginning. No weapon, motive or blood was ever linked to him during the investigation, Bluestine said. He did not match the description of a middle-aged white man believed to be the serial killer. Yet Christopher became the face of the Frankford Slasher.

During the investigation, two witnesses claimed they saw Christopher walking into an alley with Dowd on the night she died. Another witness said Christopher had been seen with a middle-aged white man matching a police sketch of the Frankford slasher suspect.

In September 1990, while Christopher was in jail awaiting trial, a ninth woman was killed. Bluestine said that should have cast further doubt that Christopher murdered Dowd.

The jury did have any of that information, Bluestine said.

Christopher was eventually convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

“This is a man who spent the majority of his life in a prison cell for a crime that he did not commit,” Bluestine said. “In a way, that bothered him more than the fact that his freedom had been taken away.”

Christopher eventually died from cancer behind bars.

“Not only was Ms. Dowd never given justice because her murderer was never found and caught, but the other eight women … those murders are still unsolved,” Bluestine said.

Atlantic City will be home to a new Arena Football League team kicking off this spring. Pro sports teams haven't fared well in the past in AC but officials are convinced this one will draw crowds.

The frantic call to a 911 dispatcher from the Logan Township UPS warehouse has been released. A man grabbed his ex-girlfriend and a worker at gunpoint in a hostage standoff back in January. He was then shot and killed by police.

A historic summit at the Vatican addressed the sexual abuse of children by priests. The Pope presented a plan to stop the assaults. But is it enough? We attended a panel discussion at Gwynedd Mercy University where attendees talked about how the church can stop the abuse.

Police and community members held a meeting Thursday to discuss the recent gun violence against teens in Philadelphia.

Three Wawa employees wound up hurt after being attacked by four young people who were in the process of stealing from a Northeast Philadelphia store, Philadelphia police said.

The employees saw a group of 19 and 20 year olds stealing snacks off the shelves at the Wawa at Roosevelt Boulevard and Tyson Avenue in the Mayfair neighborhood around 230 a.m. Friday, investigators said.

Things turned violent as the robbers began turning over displays and rumbling with the workers, one woman and two men, police said.

One employee was bitten on the arm, another suffered a busted lip and the other was sprayed with a mace-like chemical, police said. All three employees received treatment.

The employees didn't initiate the incident but rather called police, Wawa spokeswoman Lori Bruce said.

Officers reacted quickly and nabbed the alleged attackers – two men and two women – as they hopped into a car outside the convenience store. Police found items stolen from Wawa in the car.

The four young people are expected to be charged with robbery and assault, police said.

Wawa praised the quick actions of police.

"Police responded swiftly and have all suspects in custody," Bruce said. "We continue to focus on providing assistance to the police. We are also focusing our full support to our associates, who have been treated and released."

Regular customers showed up to the store for their Friday morning coffee only to find the store closed as police investigated and workers cleaned up before daybreak. They expressed concerns for the workers who they called friendly.

Chances are you are holding your cellphone the wrong way. "Text neck" compresses your neck, heart and your lungs, that bad posture damages our bodies, doctors say.

It’s been nearly 30 years since the "Frankford Slasher" terrorized Philadelphia, killing at least eight women whose murders still remain a mystery. Decades later, police are re-examining existing DNA evidence that could, finally, lead to solving the case.

The Frankford killing spree dominated headlines from 1985 to 1990. With a serial killer on the loose, North Philadelphia residents were always on the lookout, according to Walt Hunter, a longtime city reporter who covered the slayings.

“The people who lived in Frankford would find themselves looking at the person next to them on the bar stool or coming down the street,” Hunter, who retired after decades with KYW-TV, said in an interview. “You had a predator with a sixth sense of the vulnerabilities of these women.”

All the victims were similar - white women who frequented bars along three specific blocks of Frankford Avenue between Wakeling and Bridge streets. Each victim was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death.

Philadelphia police identified a possible suspect — a middle-aged white man who called himself a minister. He disappeared sometime after investigators questioned him but not before a DNA sample was taken.

That sample is currently being compared to DNA from the various victims using technology that was not available in 1990, police said.

The Philadelphia Police Department declined to comment on the Frankford slasher case, which remains open.

Despite those efforts, it’s too late for Leonard Christopher, a black man who was arrested and convicted of murdering 46-year-old Carol Dowd in 1990. Her disemboweled body was found in an alley behind a fish market where Christopher worked. She was the eighth woman who died in a way consistent with homicides associated with the Frankford Slasher.

“They were all Caucasian, lived in the area, had a history of mental illness or drug dependency,” attorney Marissa Bluestine from the Innocence Project of Pennsylvania said.  “They were women on the edges of society.”

Dowd’s murder is the only one that ever went to trial, she added.

Christopher maintained his innocence from the beginning. No weapon, motive or blood was ever linked to him during the investigation, Bluestine said. He did not match the description of a middle-aged white man believed to be the serial killer. Yet Christopher became the face of the Frankford Slasher.

During the investigation, two witnesses claimed they saw Christopher walking into an alley with Dowd on the night she died. Another witness said Christopher had been seen with a middle-aged white man matching a police sketch of the Frankford slasher suspect.

In September 1990, while Christopher was in jail awaiting trial, a ninth woman was killed. Bluestine said that should have cast further doubt that Christopher murdered Dowd.

The jury did have any of that information, Bluestine said.

Christopher was eventually convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

“This is a man who spent the majority of his life in a prison cell for a crime that he did not commit,” Bluestine said. “In a way, that bothered him more than the fact that his freedom had been taken away.”

Christopher eventually died from cancer behind bars.

“Not only was Ms. Dowd never given justice because her murderer was never found and caught, but the other eight women … those murders are still unsolved,” Bluestine said.

Nursing students at the University of Pennsylvania are learning how to saves lives and address the country's opioid epidemic. Using virtual reality, the students are simulating saving a life by using opioid overdose-reversing Narcan. Penn hopes the 360-degree view can help more people.

NBC10 has compelete coverage of the NHL Stadium Series live from the Linc Saturday where the Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Pittsburh Pengins. NBC10 has you covered on the stadium preparations, pep rallys and possible rain in the forecast.

Gun violence is taking more more victims in Philadelphia espicially teenagers. On Thursay night, someone shot a 16-year old boy on a basketball court in the Grays Ferry neighborhood. The boy was shot in the leg. This shooting followed two others that killed teens in the past week.

A woman who was revived with Narcan after crashing a school bus in New Jersey wasn’t the kind of person who would use drugs or get behind the wheel impaired, and had several medical conditions, family members and the owner of the bus company that employed her said.

Lisa Byrd, 57, of East Orange, was arrested after she crashed a bus carrying 12 special-needs students into a tree in New Jersey on Wednesday.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said first responders found Byrd unconscious at the scene. Byrd appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic, and police found drug paraphernalia at the scene, Ambrose said. Sources told News 4 she had a bag of heroin in her hand.

The owner of F&A Transportation, the company that employed Byrd, told News 4 Byrd actually worked as an aide for the company and was not hired as a driver.

Byrd drove the bus on Wednesday because school let out early due to snow. The bus' regular driver was going to be late, the owner, Ahmed Mahgoub, said.

"[A]t the end of the day, I hold her responsible. She drove without any authorization,” Mahgoub said.

But Mahgoub said he couldn’t see Byrd using drugs, let alone getting behind the wheel under the influence. Byrd has worked for the company for about a year, he said.

“She’s not that kind of person,” he said, adding that the drug tests Byrd took when she was hired were all negative. “I see her everyday — she’s fine.”

Family members told News 4 Byrd takes medication for a variety of illnesses, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

She also recently recovered from a stroke, a family member said.

"My mother loved the kids," her son told News 4 New York Thursday. "She got a bag of snacks on the bus, she spent money out of her pocket, to give kids snacks and keep them at ease on the bus." 

"I don't believe it," he added of the allegations she'd been using drugs. "Like, my mom in the past, '90s, maybe. But that's my mom, you know? And I wouldn't want to see her in that light." 

One witness on Wednesday told News 4 Byrd looked as if she "couldn't move, like she was having a heart attack or a stroke."

Byrd was taken to University Hospital for treatment, Ambrose said. She has been charged with 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while impaired, he said. It wasn't immediately clear if she had an attorney.

Ambrose said Byrd's driver's license was suspended between 1996 and 2006, but couldn't immediately say why it had been suspended.

The children on the bus were "shaken up" and taken to local hospitals for observation, but released to their parents soon after, Ambrose said. The crash is under investigation.

A pair of alleged drugged driving crashes in New Jersey this week, one of them deadly, is highlighting a dangerous epidemic. Brian Thompson reports.

Actress and hip hop artist Queen Latifah is headed back to her New Jersey roots, according to a published report.

The artist plans to build a new affordable housing complex in Newark, but the project comes with a pricey cost.

The $14 million project is expected to break ground this summer, NJ.com reports. It will include 23 family townhomes, 16 additional smaller units, a fitness center and a commercial space that will be rented to non-profits.

According to NJ.com, the expected construction will take place along Springfield Avenue and South 17th Street.

Latifah, co-president of BlueSugar Corporation, is working with GonSosa Development on the project, NJ.com reports.

Cristina Pinzon, a spokeswoman for the developers, told NJ.com both companies recognize the need for affordable housing in and around New Jersey’s largest city.

The affordable housing building’s apartments will be priced according to a person’s income, NJ.com reports. Meanwhile, the rents for the market rate units will start at around $1,800 a month.

Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s a beer festival, a winter festival, Orchid Extravaganza or ice skating, this area is full of winter fun every weekend. We’ve found the top (and affordable) choices of what to do this weekend, Feb. 22 to 24.

Feb. 22-24

What: Kennett Winterfest

Taste lager, stouts, IPAs and more at this winter festival. Tickets include all-you-can-drink brews from area breweries and food is pay-as-you-go.

Where: 600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, Pa.

When: Saturday, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Cost:  $60

What: Fallen Hero Polar Bear Plunge

Support the families of fallen police officers by taking the plunge into the chilly Atlantic Ocean off North Wildwood. Enjoy a pizza party at Keenans the night before.

Where: Kennans North Wildwood, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood, NJ and 15th Lifeguard Station

When: Friday pizza party at 6 p.m., Saturday plunge at 11 a.m.

Cost: $20 for pizza party; $40 for plunge

What: Black History in Philadelphia

Major city attractions, including the African American Museum of Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center and the Free Library of Philadelphia, will host events throughout the month.

Where: Various locations

When: All of February

What: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

When the weather gets chilly, head to rink for some ice skating, fire pits, food, drinks, an arcade and more.

Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia

When: through March 3, from 1 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday

Cost: Free for general admission, $4 skating admission, $10 skate rentals. Food and drink available for purchase.

What: Winter at Dilworth Park

In the shadow of City Hall, families can enjoy ice skating, the Wintergarden, shopping and plenty of snacks and hot chocolate outside at Dilworth Park.

Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th Street, Philadelphia

When: through Feb. 24

Cost: Free to explore

What: Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens

Stroll through the indoor gardens and witness the beauty of the rarest of flowers.

Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Pa.

When: through March 24

Cost: Varies

It's always a sad state of affairs when you're going off to college and staring back at you are the big, sad eyes of your childhood dog. You pat its head and head off, knowing the next time you see it probably won't be until Thanksgiving break, if not later. Maybe you shed a tear (or two).

But La Salle University is making the process of going off to college a lot less sad for both students and their pooches by announcing its first dog-friendly residence hall.

Beginning in the 2019 fall semester, upperclassmen living in St. George Hall will be able to live with their pups right on campus. The new dog-friendly residence hall expands the school's existing emotional support animal program to dogs that are only pets (though we all know that no dog is "just" a pet).

"We recognize that there are mental, physical, and emotional benefits to having a pet, and are excited to provide this option to our on-campus community," Vice President of Student Affairs Dawn Soufleris said.

Understandably, the campus doesn't want dogs going wild on campus, so there are a few restrictions to note.

For one, the dogs have to weigh less than 30 pounds, and only one will be permitted per unit. The pup will also need to be vaccinated and spayed or neutered.

But those dogs that do make the grade will have some perks to look forward to, including an exercise area, on-campus washing station and "dog-friendly lounge space," according to the university.

Applications for the dog-friendly residence are already open.

A spin studio in Philadelphia's Graduate Hosptial neighborhood is gearing up for a fundraiser to help sick kids. On Saturday, Revel Ride is holding a charity ride where the money will be donated to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Get ready hockey fans, it's Stadium Series time. 

Saturday night, the Philadelphia Flyers will be taking on their state rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL’s annual stadium series.

The hyped-up game between the two Keystone State rivals will be taking place at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field. 

The fun begins Friday night at the FREE Keystone State Pep Rally at XFINITY Live! in South Philly. Fans will be able to meet Flyers legend and hockey hall of famer, Eric Lindros, and take pictures with the Flyers Ice Girls and Gritty the mascot.

As you plan for the festivities and game, here are some answers to questions you may be asking if you plan to go:

1. Where will the game be taking place?

The outdoor game will be taking place at the Lincoln Financial Field (which has been temporarily transformed into an ice rink) on Saturday at 8 p.m.

2. Will the weather be a problem?

It is forecast to rain on Saturday night so keep checking the NBC10 app to see if anything changes. As of Friday afternoon, the NHL expected to play the game as scheduled.

3. Can I bring an umbrella if it rains?

Umbrellas are prohibited at the Linc, so consider bringing rain coats or ponchos instead.

4. What kind of bag can I bring?

Since large bags are prohibited, you can bring a small clutch bag and a clear vinyl bag or a one-gallon freezer bag according to the Linc's safety policies. Exceptions can be made for medical necessities.

5. What items should I not bring?

Prohibited items to bring to the stadium include: alcohol, strollers, drones, e-cigarettes and vaporizers, bottles, food, laptops, selfie sticks and sports balls. More prohibited items are listed here.

6. Can I still buy tickets?

Stadium Series tickets can still be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.

7. Do I have to buy tickets for my kids?

You do not need to purchase tickets for children ages 2 and under, however, the child will have to sit on your lap. All other children need to have a ticket.

8. What if I'm not going to game?

NBC10 has you covered! Tune into our "Take It Outside" pregame show at 7 p.m. with the game to follow.

For more FAQ’s for the 2019 Stadium Series, click here.

Lincoln Financial Field’s safety policies can be found here.

The second annual "Hockey for Her" event gave female Flyers fans a chance to get an inside look at their favorite team.