Victor Belmonte

Mass Murderer

Victor Belmonte Jr. and the 1980 Coraopolis Mass Murder

Background

Victor R. Belmonte Jr. was 23 years old when he carried out a deadly sniper-style attack in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, on July 21, 1980. He came from a close-knit local family and was generally described as quiet, intelligent and introverted. His father was a member of the Coraopolis Borough Council, and Belmonte had known many of the people living near the family home for most of his life. Belmonte had experienced difficulties in college and later lost a civilian job. He subsequently enlisted in the United States Army, where he appeared to find a sense of purpose and structure. He served in a military intelligence unit responsible for monitoring and intercepting Warsaw Pact troop communications. The sensitive nature of his work required an unusually high security clearance. His Army duties also included firearms training and defensive exercises in which soldiers prepared positions against simulated enemy attacks. Belmonte reportedly took these responsibilities seriously and used military terminology even during ordinary conversations. He was honorably discharged from active military service and obtained a civilian position with the Army near Pittsburgh.

Psychological Deterioration

Belmonte's mother developed cancer, prompting his transfer back to the Pittsburgh area in March 1979. She died during the spring of 1980. In the months surrounding her illness and death, Belmonte became increasingly withdrawn, isolated and emotionally unstable. In July 1980, Belmonte attended Army summer training at Fort Indiantown Gap in central Pennsylvania. He became severely uncomfortable while at the camp and abruptly left on the morning of July 20, 1980. He walked toward Pittsburgh for approximately ten hours before obtaining a ride for part of the journey and taking a train the remaining distance. After reaching downtown Pittsburgh, Belmonte boarded a bus for Coraopolis. An old friend reportedly greeted him at the bus stop, but Belmonte did not acknowledge the person. His behavior suggested that he was deeply preoccupied and increasingly disconnected from those around him.

The July 21, 1980 Shooting

On July 21, 1980, Coraopolis was experiencing extremely hot summer weather, with temperatures reported near 95 degrees. Several neighborhood residents were outside their homes along Ridge Avenue when Belmonte arrived at his father's house and found it empty. Belmonte took a shower and drank a glass of milk. He then reportedly became frightened and developed the belief that hostile people were closing in on the house. Believing that an enemy attack was imminent, he gathered and loaded several firearms, including a .35-caliber Marlin lever-action rifle. He carried the weapons to the upper portion of the house and positioned himself near a third-floor or attic window overlooking the residential street. From this elevated position, Belmonte began firing at neighbors outside their homes. The victims were not strangers. Most were longtime residents whom he had known personally and with whom he had previously been friendly. Five people were struck by the gunfire. Four were killed, and one was wounded. The sudden shots caused panic throughout the neighborhood as residents attempted to understand where the bullets were coming from and find protection. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Lois Sima 57 yr old Female

The closest friend in the Army of accused sniper... - UPI Archives