On a summer evening, the life of 17-year-old Andrew Lavaughn Smith was tragically cut short by gun violence. Just after 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2023, a ShotSpotter alert notified police of four rounds being fired along Brownsville Road, near the border of Pittsburgh's Knoxville neighborhood and Mount Oliver. When first responders arrived at the scene near a Sunoco gas station, they found the teenager suffering from gunshot wounds to his head and neck.
Andrew was rushed to UPMC Mercy
Hospital for medical attention, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead. Born on February 12, 2006, to Amy Lynn Smith and Jeremiah Glanton Sr., Andrew was described as having a smile that could light up the world. He had just graduated in June 2023 through a fast-track diploma program and was the oldest of several siblings whom he loved unconditionally.
The Pittsburgh Police Violent Crime Unit is handling the ongoing investigation into the deadly shooting. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, authorities had not announced any arrests or released any information regarding a potential suspect or suspects in the case.
