On September 10, 2014, 16-year-old Vernon Rogers was found shot to death on the sidewalk near the intersection of Corey Avenue and Overland Street in Braddock, Pennsylvania. The discovery was made around 5:10 a.m., after police had initially responded to reports of shots being fired in the area around 2 a.m. Unfortunately, they did not find anything at that time. Vernon Rogers, a young African American male from East Liberty, was identified as the victim by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.
The circumstances surrounding Vernon Rogers' death were alarming to the community. Residents reported hearing between seven and nine gunshots early in the morning, and the area was described as a typically quiet neighborhood, making the incident particularly shocking. Mayor John Fetterman expressed his disappointment and regret that such a tragic event occurred in Braddock, which had experienced a relatively peaceful year up until that point.
Despite the investigation, no arrests or suspects were immediately identified in connection with Vernon Rogers' death. The Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit requested anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. The case remained open, with authorities continuing to seek leads and gather evidence to bring those responsible to justice.
The loss of Vernon Rogers was deeply felt by his family, friends, and the community. His obituary described him as a young man who attended Rapah Academy in Pittsburgh during his elementary years and was born on March 20, 1998, to Cecelia Tolbert and Vernon Tarrick Rogers. The community mourned the loss of a promising young life and hoped for answers and justice in the wake of this tragedy.
