‘Unchecked flood’ of guns driving wave of shootings, deaths in Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In 2021, Pittsburgh was hit with a 17% jump in non-fatal shootings and homicides. And over the course of the entire pandemic, the results are even more striking: a 49% spike since 2019 — the city’s sharpest two-year increase in at least a decade, largely reversing the reductions in gun violence in the years leading up to the pandemic.

Source: ‘Unchecked flood’ of guns driving wave of shootings, deaths in Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Eugene, Oregon, shooting: 6 injured at concert venue – CNN

(CNN)Six people were taken to a hospital after shots were fired Friday night at a rap concert in Eugene, Oregon, police said.

Police Chief Chris Skinner told reporters early Saturday morning that one victim is in critical condition after “certainly one of the highest-profile shootings we’ve had in the city of Eugene.”
That person was undergoing surgery, he said. He did not know the status of the others who were shot.
The shooting occurred during a Lil Bean and Zay Bang show, police said.
“Reports came in at 9:29 p.m. of multiple shots fired at WOW Hall, 219 W. 8th Avenue. EPD & multiple law enforcement agencies responded, along with Eugene Springfield Fire,” police tweeted.
Skinner asked any witnesses with video or audio of the incident to help police.
“We just need people to feel comfortable and bring that forward so we can better understand what happened and better identify our suspect,” he said. “All we know at this point is we have a male in a hoodie that was seen running westbound … right after the shooting.”
WOW Hall Interim Executive Director Deb Maher and Board Chair Jaci Guerena posted a statement on the venue’s website and called the shooting “unprecedented.”
“There is not much information currently available however we heard gunshots in the back parking lot. The motives are not yet known. We do know that some people were injured, but we do not know the extent of the injuries, and we do not want to speculate,” the statement said.

Source: Eugene, Oregon, shooting: 6 injured at concert venue – CNN

A massive volcano erupts near Tonga, triggering a tsunami advisory for the West Coast

A massive underwater volcano that erupted just before sundown Friday sent waves several feet high smashing into the shores of the Pacific island nation of Tonga and triggered tsunami advisories from Australia to Canada, including the U.S. West Coast.

Plumes from the explosion reached more than 12 miles above sea level, according to the Tonga Geological Services. At its widest, the cloud caused by the ash and steam reached about 150 miles across, making it easily seen from satellites.

In Tonga, home to 105,000 people, the extent of the injuries and damage caused were still largely unknown. Communications were disrupted for hours, according to the Associated Press.

Waves flooded parts of the capital Nuku’alofa — just 40 miles from the site of the eruption — including parts of the grounds at the Royal Palace, according to Radio New Zealand.

On Twitter, a Tonga resident named Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau posted a video on Saturday showing feet-high waves washing across a road into homes.

The activity from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano continued into Saturday morning with another, less powerful 10- to 15-minute-long eruption, according to the Tonga Geological Service.

Source: A massive volcano erupts near Tonga, triggering a tsunami advisory for the West Coast

How much snow will Pittsburgh get late this weekend?

Significant snowfall is projected with a winter storm expected to hit western Pennsylvania Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.

Snow total projections

In and around Pittsburgh, 5 to 9 inches of snow is expected to fall.

Some areas north and west of Pittsburgh could see 6 to 10 inches of snow.

Areas south and east can expect a range of 3 to 6 inches.

Source: How much snow will Pittsburgh get late this weekend?

Pittsburgh weather: Tracking snow potential Sunday into Monday

All eyes are on the chance for snow over the holiday weekend.

Pittsburgh’s Action Weather meteorologist Jeff Verszyla provided an update on Thursday afternoon, saying the track has the potential for snow to move through the Pittsburgh region starting Sunday afternoon.

Source: Pittsburgh weather: Tracking snow potential Sunday into Monday

U.S. Supreme Court blocks Biden vaccine-or-test policy for large businesses

WASHINGTON, Jan 13 (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday blocked President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccination-or-testing mandate for large businesses – a policy the conservative justices deemed an improper imposition on the lives and health of many Americans – while endorsing a separate federal vaccine requirement for healthcare facilities.

Biden voiced disappointment with the conservative-majority court’s decision to halt his administration’s rule requiring vaccines or weekly COVID-19 tests for employees at businesses with at least 100 employees. Biden said it now is up to states and employers to decide whether to require workers “to take the simple and effective step of getting vaccinated.”

It ruled 6-3, with the six conservative justices in the majority and three liberal justices dissenting, in blocking the rule involving large businesses – a policy that applied to more than 80 million employees. The court’s majority downplayed the risk COVID-19 specifically poses in the workplace, comparing it instead to “day-to-day” crime and pollution hazards that individuals face everywhere.

Source: U.S. Supreme Court blocks Biden vaccine-or-test policy for large businesses

Who’s hiring in Pittsburgh? – Next Pittsburgh

Looking for a new job? Or hiring? .

Advertising

NEXTpittsburgh seeks a part-time Director of Strategic Growth to oversee online advertising, generate marketing ideas, create new business pipelines, increase new client revenue, expand audience development and diversify a portfolio of advertisers.

IT and Engineering

Amazon has an opening for a Software Development Engineer – Alexa AI to design scalable distributed systems, interface with customers to understand requirements, set priorities and communicate direction, develop technical and business strategies in the translation and language learning space and more.

FedEx is hiring an IT Domain Architect to drive transformation and modernization, establish an architecture vision and road map, and provide expertise for technical solutions, architecture concepts, standards, tools and best practices.

Healthcare

LabCorp seeks a Specimen Accessioner – Lab Specimen Handling to perform specimen accessioning, sample sorting and data entry according to standard operating procedures.

Finance and Business

Carlow University is looking for a Senior Awards Analyst to oversee grants management, restricted funds, endowment analysis and spend reporting, develop financial dashboards and data warehouse analyses, assist with financial planning and budgeting processes and more.

Administrative

NEXTpittsburgh seeks a part-time Head of Organizational Infrastructure to support sales and editorial operations, work with the publisher and editor to develop and execute organizational structures, fine-tune strategic goals and more.

The Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh seeks a Legal Administrative Assistant to perform

secretarial duties, enter data, maintain files, and provide additional support functions.

Urban Agriculture

Churchview Farm is hiring an Events & Development Coordinator to coordinate public and private events, manage event staff, expand reach and engagement, and assist with social media and website updates.

Legal

Tucker Arensberg is hiring a Transactional Associate Attorney to assist with mergers and acquisitions, support clients in broad and varied areas of issues, conduct research, and analyze and draft documents.

Transportation

Hogan Trucking Transportation & Logistics is looking for a CDL Class A Truck Driver for its premier fleet of dedicated routes.

Advanced Manufacturing

Philips has an opening for an Assembler 1 to assemble and package Respironic medical devices, operate machinery, tools and equipment, undertake manufacturing production tasks, monitor output quality and assist with administrative activities.

Omnicell is looking for an Electronics Technician to repair and assemble electronic and mechanical components, perform troubleshooting, refurbish inventory, drive production efficiencies, and execute operational improvements.

Source: Who’s hiring in Pittsburgh? Amazon, Churchview Farm, Carlow University and more — 1/13/22

Pittsburgh Weather: A Winter Storm System Continues To Develop. Here’s What We Know

By now, you probably have heard about the winter storm system that is eyeing the east Sunday into Monday.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — By now, you probably have heard about the winter storm system that is eyeing the east Sunday into Monday.

WEATHER LINKS:
Current Conditions | School Delays & Closings | Local Radar | Weather App | Photos

READ MORE:Pittsburgh Weather: Cloudy Skies, Warmer Temperatures, And Light Rain On Thursday

 

Photo Credit: KDKA Weather Center

An important thing to remember is that the main energy of this system is still out in the Pacific Ocean.

When the energy is out that far, there are things we can see, but there are many that we can’t. Once this “low” comes on the shore, we will have the opportunity to gather a lot more data from weather balloons and surface instruments.

This will allow us to tighten up the projected path and have a better idea of how this will impact the Pittsburgh area.

Source: Pittsburgh Weather: A Winter Storm System Continues To Develop. Here’s What We Know

One person rescued from porch roof during fire in Pittsburgh

Fire broke out on Tuesday night

One person was rescued from a porch roof when fire broke out in a home in the Pittsburgh’s Middle Hill neighborhood.

The fire was reported a little after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 2300 block of Reed Street.

No other injuries were reported.

The Red Cross is helping several people who were displaced by the fire.

An investigation is underway into the cause.

Source: One person rescued from porch roof during fire in Pittsburgh

Vehicle ends up on its roof during crash in Pittsburgh

A vehicle ended up on its roof following a crash in Pittsburgh’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood on Wednesday morning.

The crash happened around 2:45 a.m. along Wadlow Street.

There was no word on what caused the crash.

No reports of injuries

Source: Vehicle ends up on its roof during crash in Pittsburgh

4 people survive medical helicopter crash in Pennsylvania after “miracle” landing

All four passengers on a medical helicopter carrying a 2-month-old baby girl to a hospital in Pennsylvania survived when that helicopter crashed next to a church on Tuesday afternoon, CBS Philly reported. Officials called the landing, which also did not injure anyone on the ground, a “miracle.”

A pilot, a crew member, a nurse and the infant were taken to local hospitals and are in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries, Upper Darby Fire Chief Derrick Sawyer said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

The medical chopper was heading to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from Maryland when it crashed near the Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Delaware County just before 1 p.m., CBS Philly reports. According to FlightAware, the helicopter took off from Hagerstown, Maryland, at 10:29 a.m. Tuesday and landed in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, less than 10 minutes later. Then at 12:06 p.m. the helicopter took off from Chambersburg before crashing 47 minutes after that. The helicopter appears to have maintained its speed while rapidly dropping in altitude.

All four victims were out of the aircraft by the time authorities arrived, Upper Darby Police Department Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt said.

Source: 4 people survive medical helicopter crash in Pennsylvania after “miracle” landing

Pittsburgh man charged with illegally purchasing 34 guns | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Pittsburgh man has been charged with acting as a straw buyer in the purchase of dozens of guns across the region because he “needed money,” according to federal agents.

Donald Ware Jr., 22, who has several addresses around the city, was in federal court Tuesday afternoon on a complaint filed by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Agents said Mr. Ware bought 34 guns for others at numerous firearms dealers in the Pittsburgh region and admitted he lied on firearms purchase forms that he was the actual buyer.

It’s not clear for whom he was buying, but typically straw buyers purchase weapons for criminals who can’t have one.

Marc Wilner, an ATF agent, said in an affidavit that he began investigating Mr. Ware in October after noticing that he was buying a lot of guns, didn’t have much income from a job and was associated with another accused gun trafficker, John Louis Moon.

Agents interviewed Mr. Ware in November, and he told them he’d been buying guns for other people and lying about it. Most of the guns were Glock semi-automatics bought at Dunham’s stores in the North Hills, Monroeville and Homestead, Island Firearms in McKees Rocks, Pete’s Firearms in Westmoreland County and other area dealers.

He bought 34 guns in all, ATF said.

Source: Pittsburgh man charged with illegally purchasing 34 guns | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Woman hit by Port Authority bus in Downtown Pittsburgh

The crash happened near the intersection of Liberty Avenue and Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning.

A woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being hit by a bus in downtown Pittsburgh early Tuesday morning, the Port Authority said.

The incident happened a little after 6:15 a.m. near Liberty Avenue and Smithfield Street.

Port Authority spokesman Adam Brandolph said the front of a 61A North Braddock bus struck the woman, who was then caught between the front bumper and the street.

The bus driver was not injured, Brandolph said.

The Port Authority said the driver, a 23-year employee, will be tested for drugs and alcohol as per the authority’s policy.

Source: Woman hit by Port Authority bus in Downtown Pittsburgh

Grocery stores in Pittsburgh area struggling to keep shelves stocked

Food supply shortages impacted local businesses

The Charley family owns three Shop ‘n Save locations in Westmoreland County.

“It’s something that we’re fighting every day,” Tom Charley said. “We’re sourcing from multiple vendors. We’re using more vendors today than we ever have.”

Charley said his store only received half of their weekly order from their distributors this past week. It’s an issue stores have faced with various products throughout the pandemic.

“People have been very understanding and they know now what to expect at the store, but it’s very frustrating when you put in an order to fill up the store and you only get half the order,” Charley said.

National experts have cited staffing, rising COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant and winter weather across the country as the reasons behind the latest stretch of supply chain problems.

Those concerns, coupled with recent inflation trends have also caused the price of groceries to jump.

“All of the costs are going up and it’s hitting us with cost increases too,” Charley said. “We are being very deliberate in trying to find the best deals we can possibly find and it’s a challenge.”

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to a spokesperson for U.S. Foods, one of the area’s largest suppliers, but did not hear back.

Source: Grocery stores in Pittsburgh area struggling to keep shelves stocked

A kilometer-wide asteroid will make its closest pass by Earth next week – CNN

(CNN)An asteroid estimated to be a kilometer (3,451 feet) wide will fly by Earth on January 18.

It will pass within 1.2 million miles of our planet, moving at 47,344 miles per hour, according to NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies, which tracks potentially hazardous comets and asteroids that could collide with our planet.
The approaching asteroid is known as 7482 (1994 PC1) and it was discovered in 1994, according to NASA.
Nobody expects 7482 (1994 PC1) to hit Earth, but it’s the closest the asteroid will come for the next two centuries, according to NASA projections. The flyby is expected to take place on Tuesday January 18 at 4.51 p.m. ET.

Source: A kilometer-wide asteroid will make its closest pass by Earth next week – CNN

Multiple space heaters had been running for days inside apartment where deadly Bronx fire erupted

The Bronx apartment where a fire erupted that killed 17 people had several space heaters running at the time of the fire — and all of them, including the one that sparked the fatal blaze, had been left on for days, FDNY sources said Tuesday.

Firefighters made the discovery as they sifted through the scorched rubble of the second-floor in the duplex apartment where the Sunday morning fire started.

The blaze sent thick plumes of choking smoke throughout the Twin Parks North West building on E. 181st St. near Tiebout Ave. in Fordham Heights.

Source: Multiple space heaters had been running for days inside apartment where deadly Bronx fire erupted

Home Depot employee shot in North Las Vegas store; police seek suspects | Crime | fox5vegas.com

A Home Depot employee was shot on the job by two men, according to North Las Vegas police.

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Home Depot employee was shot on the job by two men, according to North Las Vegas police.

NLVPD Officer Alexander Cuevas said the shooting happened around 11 a.m. at the Home Depot in the 1200 block of Craig Road near Martin L. King Boulevard.

Arriving officers found a man suffering an apparent gunshot wound. The man was taken to University Medical Center, Cuevas said.

Source: Home Depot employee shot in North Las Vegas store; police seek suspects | Crime | fox5vegas.com

Monroeville woman faces gun, drug, DUI charges after traffic stop in Upper Burrell

A Monroeville woman was accused of drug possession, carrying a gun without a permit and driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop by Upper Burrell police. Taylor Stringer, 22, of Garden City Drive is charged with illegal possession of a firearm and four counts of drug possession, all felonies.

Source: Monroeville woman faces gun, drug, DUI charges after traffic stop in Upper Burrell

Officers pull pilot from crashed plane seconds before train slams into it

Los Angeles police at the scene of a plane crash Sunday pulled a bloodied pilot to safety seconds before a train smashed into the wreckage.

The crash of the single-engine Cessna 172 on tracks near county-run Whiteman Airport, a one-runway facility in L.A.’s northeastern San Fernando Valley, put its injured pilot in a precarious position as a double-decker commuter train barreled in its direction shortly after 2 p.m., authorities said.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said in a statement that the plane went down at a busy intersection after taking off from Whiteman. “The pilot was the only person on board,” he said.

Multiple officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division, based about a half-block away, blocked the roadway with their SUVs as one officer stood at the tracks in the direction of the oncoming train in an apparent attempt to warn the conductor, according to body camera footage released by the LAPD.

But the train from taxpayer-supported Metrolink, which says it’s the nation’s third-largest commuter rail system in miles covered, roared ahead, its horn as crossing arms were down and warning bells rang.

Two officers yanked at the pilot out of the upright plane as a third and fourth tried to help and warn them that the train was near.

“Go, go, go!” one of the officers yelled as the pilot was dragged along the ground and away from the wreckage.

The span of time between the video’s focus on officers tugging on the pilot in his seat and the collision is roughly 6 seconds. The only thing missing for a Hollywood ending was an exaggerated, unrealistic explosion.

The pilot, who has not been identified, was taken to a trauma center for treatment of unknown injuries, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. No other injuries were reported.

The intersection was closed and the plane, seen on video of the crash site as a crumpled hulk, remained at the scene, the department said. The Metrolink line, which runs to the Antelope Valley in the high desert, was suspended.

Source: Officers pull pilot from crashed plane seconds before train slams into it

Pittsburgh police arrest man in connection to human remains found in shed behind house

Crystal Leschner’s family says boyfriend is responsible for her death.

Police have arrested a man in connection to the murder of a woman found dead in a shed behind a house in Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood.

Pittsburgh Police homicide detectives have arrested Montel Reed, 26, on charges of criminal homicide, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse Sunday evening.

Police were alerted to reports of human remains found in a shed behind a residence on the 300 block of Reifert Street around 4:30 p.m.

Early Sunday morning, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office identified the woman as Crystal Leschner, 38.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 talked with three of Leschner’s siblings. According to them, Reed physically abused their sister a few weeks ago.

“She had marks all over her face and as a brother, it’s hard to see your baby sister go through anything like that…I was hoping she didn’t go back, but apparently she went back,” said Joey Leschner.

Leschner’s sister, Kacey Gola, said it was not clear exactly when she died, but investigators told her sometime between Dec. 26 and New Year’s.

“She was found in a shed inside of a suitcase. She had been chopped up after she was dead,” Gola said.

All of Leschner’s siblings described her as a loving person and the fun aunt.

“She could never have kids, so she was the best aunt to all of her nieces and nephews…she was always right there. Even if we didn’t talk for a few weeks, months, if something happened, she was right there,” Gola said.

“A very kindhearted person. She would do anything for anyone which makes it even more hard to believe,” Joey Leschner said.

Now as Leschner’s family waits for more answers, they are determined to get justice for their sister.

“She needs justice for what happened, and he needs to be put away for a long time. He took away someone so special who we will never be able to get back. I’ll never be able to hug my sister,” said Chanel Warner.

Reed has been transported to Allegheny County Jail.

A criminal complaint obtained by Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 early Monday morning said Reed confessed to investigators that he stabbed Leschner several times on Dec. 27 during a domestic dispute, resulting in her death.

According to court documents, Reed was just in the Allegheny County Jail two days prior on a robbery charge for an incident on Jan. 1.

He was brought in to the Allegheny County Jail on Jan. 7 and was released the same day after posting a $5,000 bail.

Major Crimes Detectives and the Pittsburgh Crime Scene unit were called to the scene to collect evidence.

Neighbor Ronnie Davis said the scene was unsettling.

“I’m a single father, and I have two kids, and if it was a homicide, I need to know,” Davis said.

Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz said the investigation could take time.

“It is going to be a long investigation, of course. This is not usual. We are used to other things in the city, but this is definitely unusual,” Cruz said.

She said it was unclear at that point if the initial report came from someone who lives there.

Leschner’s family has set up a GoFundMe for expenses.

Source: Pittsburgh police arrest man in connection to human remains found in shed behind house

Bob Saget gave moving final tribute to Betty White before his own tragic death at 65.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes about an “unresponsive man in a hotel room.” The man was identified as Robert Saget and pronounced dead on the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use, the sheriff’s office said.

Bob Saget said goodbye to Betty White in a heartfelt post,  just days before his own tragic death.

His cause of death has not been released. He is remembered for ‘Full House.’

He was 65 years old.

Source: Bob Saget gave moving final tribute to Betty White before his own…

Bronx apartment building fire leaves 19 people dead, including 9 children

A major fire in a residential apartment building in the Bronx in New York City on Sunday left 19 people dead, including 9 children, in what Mayor Eric Adams described as one of the worst fires the city has experienced in modern times.

Source: Bronx apartment building fire leaves 19 people dead, including 9 children

Steelers defeat Ravens in overtime, on the verge of making playoffs

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens in overtime Sunday, improving their chances at making the playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens in overtime Sunday, greatly improving their chances at making the playoffs.

The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts at home, which helped the Steelers’ quest for the postseason.

The Steelers head to the playoffs on Sunday, the 16th at 8:15 PM.

Source: Steelers defeat Ravens in overtime, on the verge of making playoffs

State Police Trooper Arrested In Off-Duty Physical Altercation – CBS Pittsburgh

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

HARRISBURG (KDKA) – A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was taken into custody early on Saturday morning.

READ MORE:Woman Rushed To Hospital After Hit-And-Run In Homewood South

Trooper Scott Myers was arrested following an off-duty physical altercation in the early morning hours on Saturday at a home in Summerhill Township, Cambria County.

Myers is facing a felony charge along with multiple misdemeanor charges related to a physical altercation with another adult male.

READ MORE:PennDOT, Pa. Turnpike Commission Impose Speed And Vehicle Restrictions Ahead Of Winter Weather

He is facing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, terrorist threats, and harassment.

Myers has been suspended without pay pending the resolution of the criminal charges.

MORE NEWS:Online, In Person, Or Remote? How Local Universities Plan To Start The Spring Semester

Source: State Police Trooper Arrested In Off-Duty Physical Altercation – CBS Pittsburgh

Drivers seeing red over flashing yellow signal at Route 30 intersection in Hempfield | TribLIVE.com

Some motorists are having a tough time getting used to a newly installed left-turn-yield traffic signal at North Greengate Road and Route 30, according to social media chatter.

The traffic signal is among 11 upgrades PennDOT has made since last spring along a 3-mile stretch of Route 30 between Jeannette and Hempfield. Bronder Technical Services was awarded a $2.4 million contract for the ongoing work.

As opposed to waiting on a steady green light and yielding to oncoming traffic before making the left turn from North Greengate onto Route 30 toward Greensburg, motorists are greeted by a flashing yellow signal that is designed to let them know it is OK to make a left turn — but to do so with caution and only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

“It’s a mess. Went from bad to worse,” Dave Blas posted to the popular Across Westmoreland Facebook page.

Andrea Baer of Grapeville said many drivers are unfamiliar with the flashing signal, and she believes they are confused by the “blinking” yellow signal.

The flashing yield signal follows the traditional green turn signal, followed by a steady yellow light and then a brief red light. After a seconds-long pause at red, the flashing yellow begins and lasts about 15 seconds.

Source: Drivers seeing red over flashing yellow signal at Route 30 intersection in Hempfield | TribLIVE.com

Pittsburgh named possible location for 2024 GOP national convention | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh has been named as a possible location for the 2024 GOP national convention, according to Politico.

The Republican National Committee has narrowed its search for a convention location down to four cities, including Milwaukee, Nashville and Salt Lake City.

Politico reported that party officials are planning to visit each city in the coming months before making a final decision in the spring.

Should the party choose Pittsburgh, it would be the first time the city has ever hosted a modern national party convention, either Democrat and Republican.

Source: Pittsburgh named possible location for 2024 GOP national convention | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh police investigating human remains found in shed behind house

Police are investigating after human remains were found in a shed behind a house in Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood.

Police were alerted to reports of human remains found in a shed behind a residence on the 300 block of Reifert Street around 4:30 p.m.

Early Sunday morning, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office identified the woman as Crystal Leshner, 38.

Major Crimes Detectives and the Pittsburgh Crime Scene unit were called to the scene to collect evidence.

Neighbor Ronnie Davis said the scene was unsettling.

“I’m a single father, and I have two kids, and if it was a homicide, I need to know,” Davis said.

Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz said the investigation could take time.

“It is going to be a long investigation, of course. This is not usual. We are used to other things in the city, but this is definitely unusual,” Cruz said.

She said it was unclear at that point if the initial report came from someone who lives there.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 crew on scene saw the medical examiner come to the scene and take the body away.

No information on the demographic or identification of the remains was provided at this time. Cruz said she had no information if there is anyone in custody at this time.

This is a developing story. Stay with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 for updates.
Download the WTAE mobile app to stay connected with breaking news.

Source: Pittsburgh police investigating human remains found in shed behind house

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