Investigators: 6 Men Facing Charges In Monroeville Mall Shooting
MONROEVILLE, Pa. (AP/KDKA) -- Authorities say charges have been filed against six men in connection with a shooting outside the Monroeville Mall last month that prompted an evacuation.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. and Monroeville Police discussed the charges during a morning news conference, announcing the suspects and charges they are facing.
"We were able to obtain at least six arrest warrants for individuals involved in the shooting at the Monroeville Mall, outside Macy's. Five of those individuals are in custody. The sixth individual is still outstanding and there's a warrant for his arrest," said Monroeville Police Chief Doug Cole.
WATCH the full news conference here:
The suspect still on the run is identified as Brandon Murphy. Investigators say their efforts to track him down continue.
According to authorities, two groups of men from McKeesport, specifically Crawford and Harrison Villages, began fighting at the mall on April 12. The brawl eventually spilled outside, where one person pulled a gun and 14 shots were fired. No injuries were reported.
Zappala said the two groups arrived at the mall in two separate groups in two vehicles, then saw each other inside and started to fight.
"After the fight begins, video evidence indicates that the shooter leaves the building, goes back to his vehicle, and looks as if he's taking possession of a handgun that was ultimately used in the shooting," said Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala.
Zappala says the dispute was over violence, disrespect and drugs.
Officials identify that suspect as 21-year-old Brandon Noel. Zappala says he will likely face two counts of criminal attempt homicide, as well as aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied structure, riot and reckless endangerment.
The mall was placed on lockdown and later evacuated.
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Bullet holes were found in a Macy's Backstage store entrance door and shell casings were outside.
"All 9mm casings go back to the same weapon. That weapon has been recovered," said Zappala. "All these shots were directed in and around the entrance to the mall, at the lower level, to the rear."
Investigator say they analyzed surveillance video in their investigation.
DA Zappala & Monroeville officials brief media and business owners on 6 arrests made in the April 12th incident involving gunfire at the Monroeville Mall. pic.twitter.com/ARbp4yVEYu
— AlleghenyCountyDA (@AlleghenyCoDA) May 16, 2019
Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock said he was at the mall the night of the shooting with his young child.
"I was at the mall the night of the shooting. I was there when the shots were fired with my 6-year-old. No parent should have to explain to their child why they're leaving the mall abruptly, and why the gates are closing, and why the storefronts are closing. This behavior is not going to be tolerated in Monroeville, and shouldn't be tolerated anywhere," he said. "If you come to Monroeville, you're going to be seen and you're going to be caught if you cause a crime."
A series of high-tech surveillance cameras were put into use in Monroeville in early 2000s to help solve and prevent crime. Zappala says it has paid off and more cameras are scheduled to be installed.
"Since we began to use virtual technology out here in the eastern suburbs, since 2014, Monroeville has experienced one tragedy, one homicide. In the same period of time, they experienced nine robberies," he said.
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