On September 16, 2015, at approximately 1 a.m., 31-year-old Kevin Morgan, a Black male from Pittsburgh's Hill District, was fatally shot while sitting on the porch of a residence in the 3300 block of Webster Avenue. Upon arrival, police found Morgan unconscious and in cardiac arrest; he was promptly transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:40 a.m.
In the days following the incident, law enforcement officials arrested 31-year-old Tiawan Harper, a resident of Crafton Heights, in connection with the shooting. Harper was charged with criminal homicide and firearms violations related to the death of Kevin Morgan. Authorities believe that Morgan was initially shot outside the residence and then managed to enter the home before collapsing. Harper was subsequently held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled shortly after his arrest.
Community members expressed their concerns over the violence affecting young individuals in the area. Edward Williams, a neighbor, remarked on the prevalence of gun violence among the youth, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of such incidents and the potential risk to bystanders. City leaders highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing crime, noting that while the homicide rate had decreased compared to the previous year, the impact of violence remained a significant concern for residents.
The tragic death of Kevin Morgan underscored the persistent challenges of gun violence in Pittsburgh communities, prompting calls for continued efforts to address the root causes and enhance public safety measures.
