Anthony Michael Raymond, a 27-year-old man from Pittsburgh, tragically lost his life on March 4, 2021, in Trafford, Pennsylvania. Raymond was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 500 block of Fifth Street Extension early that morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office confirmed his identity.
In connection with Raymond's death, Allegheny County police arrested 20-year-old Jesse Chaz Parks of Verona.
Parks was charged with criminal homicide, tampering with evidence, and receiving stolen property. Investigators discovered a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol, which had been reported stolen, near the scene. Parks was found hiding in a closet in a child's bedroom during the investigation.
The shooting occurred near the border of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Detectives linked Parks to the incident through ballistic evidence and witness statements. Parks also had an active arrest warrant out of Florida and was previously a suspect in another shooting at a TGI Friday's restaurant in Monroeville.
The investigation revealed that Parks had been involved in a similar incident in August 2020, where he fired a gun in the same area but no one was injured. The community of Trafford was deeply affected by this tragic event, and the police urged anyone with information to come forward.
Parks was taken into custody and faced legal proceedings for his involvement in Raymond's death. The case highlighted the ongoing issues of gun violence and the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes.
