Man found dead after car crash and shooting in East McKeesport
What began as a crash investigation late Wednesday night in East McKeesport quickly turned into something far more tragic.
Police responded to the scene just before midnight, but when they arrived, they discovered the incident wasn't just a car accident, and a man had been shot.
Investigators believe the shooting happened near the intersection of Pittsburgh and Park Avenues. That's where they think 20-year-old Keith Pelmon III was shot before being found down the street in a crashed vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest.
Pelmon was pronounced dead at the scene.
His father, also named Keith Pelmon, shared photos of his son with KDKA. He described Keith as full of life, an all-star football player, and a graduate of Penn Hills High School. Now, the family is mourning the sudden loss, as police say it was an act of gun violence.
Neighbors in the area said they were startled by a loud crash just before midnight.
"We just saw a door open and a car that hit this car here, and my brother's car was parked right there. They were all pushed up against his car," said Randy Martz.
Another neighbor, who did not want to be identified or appear on camera, told KDKA she initially didn't realize a crash had even occurred.
"I had just seen a car venture off to the left-hand side, but I thought maybe they were parking. I didn't even notice they hit anything," said an anonymous witness.
Police discovered Pelmon inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds after arriving on the scene. Neighbors said they had no idea someone had been shot until officers began investigating.
"There's really no issue on this street, so I'm not sure where that might have stemmed from or come from, but it's unfortunate," said an anonymous witness.
Pelmon's family declined further comment but said they're hoping for justice.
"I feel bad for the family, everybody involved, and I hope the perpetrator gets what's coming," said Martz.
As of now, police have not named any suspects, and the full timeline of events remains unclear.
