On January 20, 2015, 24-year-old William Doyle Jr., a white male from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot in the Crawford Village housing complex. According to police reports, Doyle was with two women when two men began firing shots at their vehicle near Pirl Street. Doyle attempted to flee on foot but was pursued and shot multiple times, resulting in his death. The two women sustained non-life-threatening injuries and managed to drive themselves to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities identified Jonathan “BJ” Coles, 20, and Roman Jones, 23, as suspects in the shooting. Both men were known to have ties to the Mon Valley area. Coles was apprehended in Braddock by a fugitive task force, while Jones was also taken into custody shortly thereafter. They were charged with homicide, aggravated assault, attempted homicide, conspiracy, and weapons violations.
Investigations revealed that Coles and Jones, both black males, were involved in drug activities and had intended to kill a jitney driver who was a witness in another homicide case. Doyle, who was with the intended target, became a victim when the suspects opened fire into the vehicle. Doyle fled but was chased down by Jones, who ultimately shot and killed him. In a 911 recording, Doyle could be heard pleading for his life as he attempted to escape.
Initially, the Allegheny County District Attorney sought the death penalty for both Coles and Jones, citing that Doyle was killed to prevent him from testifying as a witness. However, the death penalty notice was later withdrawn. In a non-jury trial, Jones was found guilty of third-degree murder and related charges. He was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison. Coles received a similar sentence in exchange for his guilty plea and testimony against Jones.
William Doyle Jr. was born in Monroeville and was the son of Rebecca Lennig Bezts and the late William Donald Doyle Sr. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, children, siblings, grandparents, aunt, and girlfriend. His death was a tragic loss to his family and the McKeesport community.
