On May 11, 2013, Dejour Gadsden, a 17-year-old from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed in Pittsburgh's Hill District neighborhood. The incident occurred at approximately 11:55 p.m. on White Hill Drive, where police found Gadsden unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. During the shooting, a female victim was also wounded and was transported to UPMC Mercy for treatment.
Authorities reported that three men wearing black masks entered the residence where Gadsden was located and opened fire, fleeing the scene in a silver Nissan Maxima. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made so far.
Dejour Gadsden was a student enrolled in McKeesport Area School District's cyber program, having previously attended classes on campus before switching to online studies. He was described by his school principal as a well-liked student who had strong relationships with staff and classmates. In the aftermath of the shooting, grief counselors were made available to help students and staff cope with the tragedy, as Gadsden's death marked the third time a student from McKeesport High School had been murdered that year.
The community has been struggling with the impact of violence, and local leaders have been working on initiatives to reduce crime and promote positive lifestyles for the youth. Gadsden's death has underscored the urgency of these efforts, as violence among peers continues to be a source of fear and concern for young people in the area. Pittsburgh homicide detectives are actively investigating the case, and they urge anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to Dejour's family.
