On July 4, 2020, at approximately 9:35 p.m., 32-year-old Justin Gomez, a Black male from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot near the intersection of Mohler Street and Ferris Court in Pittsburgh's Homewood North neighborhood. Officers responding to the scene found Gomez suffering from a gunshot wound and losing consciousness. They administered CPR until emergency medical services arrived and transported him to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland.
Despite efforts to save him, Gomez was pronounced dead in the emergency room shortly before 10:30 p.m.
In addition to Gomez, a second man arrived at a local hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. He reported that he had been shot on Mohler Street. His identity was not released, and he was reported to be in stable condition.
Justin Gomez was a roofing contractor and a devoted family man. He was married to Leah Stanley, and together they had four children: Justice, Justin Jr., Jiovanni, and Amara. He was also the youngest of four children born to Keena Gomez and Norman Fitzgerald Jr. Gomez was known for his love of traveling, singing, dancing, and cooking, particularly his curry chicken. He was described as a sincere and caring person who loved with all his heart and was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend.
As of the latest available information, there have been no arrests or publicly identified suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of Justin Gomez. The Pittsburgh Police Department has sought the public's assistance in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for the crime. They have placed posters in the area where the shooting occurred to encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact them.
The death of Justin Gomez is part of a broader increase in homicides in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County in 2020. The city experienced a rise in homicides, with 51 reported in 2020, up from 37 in 2019. The New Pittsburgh Courier reported that 87 of the 107 homicides in Allegheny County in 2020 were African Americans, accounting for 81% of the total.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Justin Gomez, and authorities remain committed to solving his case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pittsburgh Police Homicide Unit at 412-323-7161.
