In the winter of 2008, the life of 12-year-old Jolesa M. Barber was tragically cut short in a hail of gunfire on the North Side of Pittsburgh. On the evening of January 28th, Jolesa was at her sister's home on Brightridge Street in the Perry South neighborhood when the house was targeted in a violent attack. Assailants fired more than 40 rounds from an assault rifle and a pistol into the residence, striking and killing the young girl. Her mother, Kimberly Wade, was also wounded in the leg during the shooting.
The senseless act of violence that claimed Jolesa's life was believed to be the result of a gang feud, with law enforcement indicating that the shooters were targeting Jolesa's brothers. The devastating event sent shockwaves through the community, leading to an outpouring of grief and calls to end gang-related violence. Jolesa was remembered as a bright and spirited honor student at A.J. Rooney Middle School who loved basketball and had dreams of becoming a lawyer.
In the days following the shooting, two suspects were identified and taken into custody: 15-year-old Michael Gist and 30-year-old Anthony Wilson. Both were charged with homicide in connection with Jolesa's death. The subsequent legal proceedings brought a measure of justice, though not without further emotional turmoil for the Barber family. Michael Gist later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and aggravated assault and was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting.
The case against the second suspect, Anthony Wilson, took a different turn. Despite an initial confession to the police, his defense attorneys argued that the confession was questionable due to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. During his non-jury trial, Wilson presented an alibi with witnesses placing him elsewhere at the time of the shooting. On the third anniversary of Jolesa's death, a judge found Anthony Wilson not guilty, citing a lack of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict was a painful blow to Jolesa's family, who continued to mourn the loss of a young life full of promise.
