Michael Gunter Jr., a 22-year-old male of African American ethnicity from McKeesport, PA, tragically died on April 22, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born on August 12, 1999, to Zelda Brown and Michael Gunter Sr. Michael enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to music, and playing video games. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Dorothy Brown; grandfather, Walter Morris; and uncle, Nomoe. Michael is survived by his parents, his grandmother Helen Gunter “Ms. Tiny,” his brother Cordell Brown, and numerous other family members and friends.
On April 24, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for Vernon Dean Eutsey, a 25-year-old male from Pittsburgh, in connection with Michael Gunter Jr.'s death. Eutsey was charged with homicide, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment, and a weapons violation. According to the Allegheny County Police, they found Michael with multiple gunshot wounds at the intersection of Lysle Boulevard and Market Street in McKeesport. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after.
After 17 months on the run, Vernon Eutsey was arrested on September 13, 2023, by the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Squad at his girlfriend’s house in Lincoln-Lemington. Eutsey faced charges of criminal homicide, tampering with evidence, person not to possess firearms, and recklessly endangering another person. The arrest marked a significant development in the case, bringing some measure of justice for Michael Gunter Jr.
Michael Gunter Jr.'s death has deeply affected his family and community, who continue to cherish his memory and legacy. The investigation and subsequent arrest of Vernon Eutsey have been crucial steps in addressing the tragedy and seeking accountability for the loss of a young life.
