In the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood of Pittsburgh, a promising young life was cut short on the evening of April 13, 2021. Donangelo Castapheny, a 15-year-old Black male, was found shot to death on Olivant Street. Police were initially called to the 1300 block of Montezuma Street around 9:10 p.m. after a ShotSpotter alert, and shortly thereafter, they discovered the teenager a few blocks away. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.
The tragic event left his family and the community in shock and mourning for a boy described as intelligent, caring, and with a bright future.
Donangelo was a sophomore at Allderdice High School, where he was enrolled in the 'Gifted and Talented' program. His teachers remembered him as a polite and quiet student who was also thoughtful and kind, with a big smile and a sharp wit. He had a passion for basketball, having played for the Westinghouse Bulldogs before transferring to Allderdice. His family described him as a 'beautiful child' and a high honor roll student who was not involved in street life. His cousin, Quenesia Castapheny-White, expressed her devastation, stating how shocking it was that someone so young and innocent could be taken in such a violent manner.
The investigation into Donangelo's murder was ongoing for some time before any arrests were made. The case took a significant turn when police identified two brothers as suspects. In November 2022, Hanif Green, who was 14 at the time of the shooting, was arrested. His older brother, 34-year-old Riyad Christian, was apprehended in June 2023. Both have been charged in connection with Donangelo's death.
Court testimony revealed that the motive behind the shooting was allegedly a planned robbery. It is believed that Donangelo had arranged to buy a gun from Green for $250 in a park, an act his family believes was an attempt to help a friend who felt they were in a dangerous situation. Prosecutors assert that Green planned to rob Donangelo of the money. Hanif Green is being charged as an adult with the murder. Riyad Christian faces several charges, including Criminal Homicide, Criminal Conspiracy, Robbery, Corruption of a Minor, and a firearms violation.
