Brittany Powell, a 27-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, PA, tragically lost her life on March 9, 2016. Brittany was hosting a late-night cookout at her home in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, when two gunmen opened fire on the gathering, resulting in a mass shooting. Brittany's sister, Chanetta Powell, who was 25 years old and eight months pregnant, also died in the attack, along with four other victims.
The medical examiner ruled the death of Chanetta's unborn child as a homicide, bringing the total fatalities to six.
The investigation into Brittany Powell's death revealed that the shooting was a planned and calculated attack. Police believe that the gunmen targeted one or two of the victims, possibly due to a reprisal for a previous unsolved homicide from 2013. The suspects, Cheron Shelton and Robert Thomas, were charged with the crime, but charges against Thomas were later dropped, and Shelton was acquitted at trial in 2020.
Despite the tragic loss, the community and Brittany's family have sought justice and closure. The Allegheny County District Attorney's office announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the conviction of the gunmen. However, the investigation faced challenges as Brittany's brother, LaMont Powell, who survived the shooting, did not cooperate with investigators. The lack of cooperation and community support hindered the progress of the case.
The aftermath of the shooting left Brittany's family and the community reeling from the loss. Brittany, a devoted mother of five children, was remembered fondly by her loved ones. Her family organized fundraisers to cover the costs of her cremation and services, highlighting the financial strain they faced in the wake of her unexpected death.
In conclusion, Brittany Powell's death was a tragic event that shook her family and the community. The investigation into her murder revealed a complex web of motives and challenges, but justice remained elusive for her family. Brittany's legacy lives on through her children and the memories cherished by those who knew her.
