On a summer evening in Clairton, Pennsylvania, the life of Anthony Belland, a 51-year-old Black male, was abruptly cut short. On June 28, 2016, in the Marion Circle housing complex, Belland was enjoying a dice game with friends, a casual gathering that would tragically become the backdrop to a fatal encounter. Shortly after 9:30 p.m., the sound of gunfire shattered the night, and when police responded to the 1700 block of Marion Circle, they discovered Belland suffering from multiple gunshot
wounds.
Emergency responders rushed him to Jefferson Hospital, but his injuries were too severe. Anthony Belland was pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m. A childhood friend who lived in the complex recalled the harrowing scene of finding her lifelong friend lying on the ground, bleeding and holding his stomach. She described him as "the nicest guy," a sentiment that deepened the tragedy for those who knew him.
In the immediate aftermath, Allegheny County Police began an investigation into the deadly shooting. Detectives believed there were likely bystanders in the area at the time of the incident and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the shooter. Authorities asked anyone who was in the vicinity of Marion Circle between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. to come forward with any details they might have witnessed.
Despite the public plea for assistance, the investigation into Anthony Belland's murder has not led to any arrests. As of early 2017, the case remained ongoing, with no suspects publicly identified or apprehended. The search for who was responsible for the shooting continues, leaving a community to mourn and a family without answers.
