Chanetta Lorae Powell, a 25-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on March 9, 2016, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was one of six victims killed in a mass shooting during a backyard barbecue in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County. Chanetta was eight months pregnant at the time of her death, which added to the tragedy of the incident.
The shooting was described as a "calculated, brutal" operation by the Allegheny County District Attorney.
Two gunmen, one armed with a .40-caliber handgun and the other with an assault-style rifle, targeted the family gathering. The attack resulted in the deaths of Chanetta Powell, her sister Brittany Powell , her brother Jerry Shelton , and family friends Tina Shelton and Shada Mahone . The unborn child of Chanetta Powell was also declared deceased.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that the attack was likely in retaliation for the 2013 killing of Calvin "Calio" Doswell, a low-level drug dealer. LaMont Powell, Chanetta's brother, survived the shooting but faced scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the 2013 homicide. Despite surviving, LaMont Powell did not cooperate with investigators, complicating the investigation.
The Allegheny County Police Department, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms , worked diligently to identify the suspects. Two men, Cheron Lamont "C-Wiz" Shelton and Robert James "Milhouse" Thomas , were eventually charged with the murders. The investigation was extensive, and the community was deeply affected by the violence that disrupted their neighborhood.
The case drew significant attention, and a $20,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the gunmen. The community mourned the loss of Chanetta and the other victims, and efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice continued for months.
The tragic death of Chanetta Lorae Powell and the subsequent investigation highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. The case remains a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence.
