Five people killed in mass shooting in Wilkinsburg

 
A woman reacts at the scene of a mass shooting in Wilkinsburg late Wednesday in which five people were killed and at least two critically wounded.

Five people — four women and one man — were killed and three others wounded late Wednesday night when gunmen opened fire on a backyard party in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County police said.

The shooting occurred on Hazel Way between two homes on Franklin Avenue.

Lt. Andrew Schurman said at least two shooters were being sought, based on gun casings found at the scene. He said the gunmen started shooting just before 11 p.m. and then fled on foot. Police were still searching for suspects this morning.

Four people died at the scene, Lt. Schurman said, and another victim died later at UPMC Mercy. Two men are in critical condition and another woman is in stable condition this morning.

Shot were fired from an alley to the rear of 1304 Franklin Ave., police said. Those at the party tried to run into the house when one of the gunmen fired at the back porch. The four individuals who died at the scene were on the porch, Lt. Schurman said.

Distraught family members gathered at the scene, with some causing scuffles as they tried to gain access. One woman sat on the ground crying. "They just want to kill everybody," she said.

Neighbors said they were awakened by gunshots and screaming around 11 p.m.

James Boyd, 70, who has lived on Midland Street, three houses from the shooting, for 24 years, said he heard the gunshots. "It went on for almost a minute," he said. "I thought it was maybe the pipes bursting. But then we realized it was gunshots. We've had trouble in this neighborhood before but never this close to home. I've never seen anything like this before."

A woman who lives on street said she was walking home from the East Busway when she heard about 26 gunshots. "This street is always quiet, there's nothing but kids on this street," said Kayla, 20. "To see that, it's new, and it's probably shocking to everyone else up here. I'm shaking."

George C. Spencer Sr., president of the Greater Pittsburgh-area Mad Dads, and Donald Giddens, a street patrol director for the group, came to the scene to comfort grieving friends and family members. They said this was the worst shooting incident they had seen since the local chapter was founded in 2006.

"We do take proactive steps to try and curtail some of this madness," Mr. Giddens said. "We have to do something."

Source : post-gazette.com