Gene Frederick, a 46-year-old man from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tragically lost his life on May 1, 2025, in a fatal shooting incident. The event unfolded around 4 p.m. at a residence located on the 100 block of Topaz Drive, near Friendship Park. Authorities responded to reports of heavy gunfire in the area and discovered Gene Frederick lying at the front door of the home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.
Nearby, officers recovered a Glock semi-automatic pistol and a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle on the floor close to Frederick.
Law enforcement officials arrested William Thomas “Zeno” Hurst, a 39-year-old man from Braddock, Pennsylvania, in connection with the shooting. Hurst was charged with criminal homicide, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, possession of instruments of a crime, and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. Upon arrival, officers found Hurst suffering from gunshot wounds to his right shoulder and right bicep. A Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm semi-automatic pistol was discovered in his waistband, and a search of his vehicle revealed a collection of firearms and ammunition, including a rifle with a flamethrower attachment.
Investigators recovered 23 spent shell casings outside the residence, on the front porch, and in the yard near the driveway. Hurst’s vehicle, a black Dodge Challenger, sustained significant ballistic damage, with multiple bullet holes on its passenger side, driver’s side door glass, and roof. Officers also found an AR-15 style rifle with an extra-large capacity magazine on the driver’s seat, along with additional spent casings near the car.
Witnesses at the scene provided statements to the police, though their identities were not disclosed in court documents. One witness reported that Gene Frederick was attempting to install a Ring doorbell at the front entrance when another individual arrived at the house. Frederick reportedly asked about a black car that had sped up the hill and stopped in front of the residence. He then instructed the newly arrived individual to enter the house quickly and locked the screen door. Another witness recalled Frederick directing a third person to the basement for safety before the gunfire erupted.
Hurst was transported to UPMC Presbyterian hospital for medical treatment following the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, gathering evidence and witness testimonies to piece together the events leading up to Gene Frederick’s tragic death.
