Rasheed Strader, an 18-year-old male from Pittsburgh, PA, was tragically shot and killed on March 24, 2014, outside his mother's home on Goettman Street. The incident was part of a series of violent events that occurred within a short span of time. Strader was shot multiple times by Theodore Smedley, a 20-year-old male from Troy Hill, who later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in Strader's death.
The investigation revealed that Smedley was also implicated in the deaths of two other
individuals, Jamarow Trowery, 36, and Rashad Freeman, 18. Their bodies were discovered in a Cadillac Escalade in Garfield the day after Strader's murder. The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office sought the death penalty for Smedley in connection with these killings.
In addition to Smedley, Charles Nevels, Smedley's cousin, was charged with multiple counts of arson, attempted homicide, and witness intimidation. Nevels allegedly set fire to the Goettman Street home of a witness to the shooting, causing injuries to one of the residents who jumped from a second-floor window to escape the blaze.
The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the crimes and the involvement of multiple suspects. Smedley was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison for Strader's murder, and his trial for the other two killings was ongoing. The legal proceedings highlighted the complexities and challenges of prosecuting such cases, especially when multiple individuals are involved and various charges are brought against them.
The tragic death of Rasheed Strader and the subsequent legal actions against Theodore Smedley and Charles Nevels underscore the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities. The pursuit of justice in these cases remains a priority for law enforcement and the judicial system, as they work to hold the perpetrators accountable and provide closure for the victims' loved ones.
