The year 2024 has witnessed a distressing number of homicides in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. This comprehensive overview details each case, providing crucial information about the victims, circumstances, and ongoing investigations. From domestic disputes to senseless acts of violence, these tragedies paint a somber picture of loss and underscore the urgent need for community solutions.
January’s Toll: Infants and Gun Violence
The year began with the heartbreaking death of 3-month-old Dai’Von Means on January 7th. His mother, Alisha L. Parker, faces homicide charges related to blunt force trauma. Just days later, on January 12th, Antonio Smith and Terrance Allen were found shot to death in a car in Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood. Later in the month, on January 20th, Anthony Johnson Jr. was killed in a shooting at the Steel Shaker bar in Coraopolis, an incident that also left three others wounded. January concluded with the death of Derrick D. Eggleton, shot in Pittsburgh’s Hill District on the 31st. Deshawn Wallace has been arrested and charged in connection with Eggleton’s death. That same day, the death of 88-year-old Henry J. Craig, resulting from complications of a hip fracture sustained earlier in the month, was ruled a homicide.
February and March: Domestic Violence and Community Tragedy
February saw the continuation of violence, beginning with the shooting death of 19-year-old Antoine Dorsey at a baby shower in Pittsburgh’s Fairywood neighborhood. On February 9th, Ramiah Griffin was shot and killed in Baldwin Borough, allegedly by the father of her child. Adelin Itongwa has been arrested and charged in this case. Adam Kone died on February 12th after a domestic altercation turned deadly, and Warren Thompson was shot and killed outside the 703 Social Club on February 24th. Akil Raheem Tennyson has been charged with Thompson’s murder.
March brought a wave of violence, with David Anthony Utley-Ralph succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds in Station Square on March 1st. Marquese Freeman was fatally shot on March 3rd in Allentown, an incident that also left two others injured. Quincey Gurske has been arrested and charged with Freeman’s homicide. The body of Tyrese Jordan Davis, missing since November 2023, was discovered on March 3rd in North Braddock. His death, caused by a gunshot wound to the head, was ruled a homicide. On March 4th, Ronald Fuller was killed in a gun battle in McKees Rocks. Marquise Jones was shot and killed in Clairton on March 7th, and on the same day, Andrew William Miller was fatally shot outside the World Class Tavern in Penn Hills. The month continued with the death of Kim Owens Horwood, found stabbed to death on March 15th, and Raymond Sims, a jitney driver, shot and killed in East Liberty on March 16th. Courtney Smith was shot and killed on March 19th, allegedly by Sean Black, the father of her children. Marc Kovach was found stabbed to death in Elliott on March 21st, and Lontae Smith died from multiple gunshot wounds in Pittsburgh’s West End on March 25th. March ended with the shooting deaths of Lamont Nichols on the 30th, allegedly by Latiya Hicks, and 16-year-old Kevin Wilson on the 31st.
April through June: A Continuing Crisis
April began with the tragic shooting death of 16-year-old Jeramyah Pollard in Braddock, following a fight involving juveniles. On April 4th, Laferrel Dee was stabbed to death in the Hill District, with Tyrone Taylor charged in the crime. That same day, Jamair Coachman, who had been shot in December 2023, succumbed to his injuries. Yancy Felder was shot and killed in McKeesport on April 5th. On April 8th, a double homicide claimed the lives of Christy Reeves and William Rabatin in Scott Township. Police suspect Dennis Rahuba, who was in a relationship with Reeves, committed the murders before taking his own life. Edward Gibson was shot and killed at Beer Belly’s Bar in West Elizabeth on April 13th, with Jacob Snyder facing charges. On April 19th, Nathaniel Walker was shot and killed in Larimer, and the death of John E. Murray III, resulting from complications related to a 1989 shooting, was ruled a homicide. Ahsan Edwards, a 15-year-old, was shot and killed in McKees Rocks on April 20th, and David Rivera was shot to death in Troy Hill on April 29th.
May saw numerous homicides, including Brandon Dean, a Lyft driver allegedly shot by a passenger, and Anthony Young, shot and killed in the Hill District. Derek Polite was shot in his home, allegedly by his cousin. Justin Young Ruff was killed in a Duquesne Heights shooting. Nevaeh Howard was fatally shot in North Braddock, and Israel Young was shot and killed in Sheraden.
June continued the grim trend, beginning with a double homicide at Ballers Hookah Lounge and Cigar Bar in Penn Hills, where Nathaniel Smiley Jr. and Stephanie Stuart were killed, and seven others were injured. Jeremiah Anger was shot and killed in Carrick, and William Coffey was shot outside J Cats Bar in Braddock Hills. Marc Meissonier was shot and killed near UPMC Mercy. Aaron Michael Marshall was found stabbed to death in Crawford-Roberts. Bryant Boyd was shot and killed in McKeesport, and six-week-old Leon Katz died under suspicious circumstances, leading to homicide charges against Nicole Virzi. Shawn Marcus Czeczely was shot and killed in Arlington Heights, with multiple arrests made in connection to the crime. Desmond William Lane was shot and killed in Wilkinsburg, and Carole L. Smith died in an apparent murder-suicide with her husband.
July through October: Summer’s Violence Continues into Fall
July began with the shooting death of David Gamble in McKeesport. Richard Van Holt Jr. was shot and killed in Carrick, and the death of Timothy Vong, while in police custody, was ruled a homicide. Terell Dachaon Blanks was shot and killed in Clairton, with two arrests made. Anthony Walker was shot and killed in Knoxville, and Vincent Bazzone was stabbed to death in Versailles.
August witnessed continued violence, with the shooting death of Jordan Nathan Ross Geiger in Ohio Township and Dana Burks in Mount Oliver. Joselyn Thomas was shot and killed in Monroeville, and Soner Yilmaz was found shot to death in Homewood. James Nelson Jr. was killed in a shooting in Stowe, and Antoinette Porterfield and John West were shot and killed in Homestead. Brandon Thompson Jr. was killed in Wilmerding during an alleged drug deal, and Barbara McKenna was fatally beaten in Carnegie. Kenneth E. Reynolds was found stabbed to death in Penn Hills, and Lawrence Kelley Jr. was shot and killed.
September’s violence began with the deaths of 3-year-old Ayla Miller and Derrick Davis. Andre D. Faucette II was shot and killed in East Hills. Dylan Christopher Saula was shot and killed in McKeesport. Four-month-old Micaiah Williams died after allegedly being beaten, and Tammy Cox was shot and killed, allegedly by her husband. William Hopkins was shot and killed in McKees Rocks. Eddie C. Kimber was shot and killed after an argument with his roommate. Gavin Yarbough was shot and killed in Larimer. Marquis Jarrell was shot and killed in North Braddock, and James Hudak was stabbed to death, allegedly by his son.
October saw continued violence with the shooting death of Nathaniel Walker in West Mifflin. Gregory Prince was shot and killed in Homewood, and Niejah Hill was shot and killed in Duquesne. Malcolm I. Nowlin died after being shot while working security, and Raneisha Scott was stabbed to death in Homewood. Benjamin Brallier was stabbed to death on the Montour Trail, and Shana Maxwell was stabbed to death in Whitehall. Shaylon Williams was killed in a shooting in McKees Rocks.
November: Violence Persists
November began with the shooting death of Carlo Hose Stanford in Stowe, followed by the shooting of Jaysen Randall in Harrison after a verbal altercation. Finally, James Macke Jr. was shot and killed in Glassport, with a teenager charged in his death.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The sheer number of homicides in Allegheny County in 2024 is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the community. From domestic violence to gun violence and other forms of aggression, the stories of these victims demand attention. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, involving law enforcement, community organizations, and individuals working together to create a safer and more peaceful environment for all. Further investigation and community action are crucial to preventing future tragedies and bringing justice to the victims and their families.
