Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that left a 17-year-old boy dead early Sunday morning in Downtown Pittsburgh.
At approximately 12:15 a.m., officers with the Pittsburgh Police Department Zone 2 responded to the area of Penn Avenue and 7th Street for reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found an unconscious 17-year-old male lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the chest. Pittsburgh EMS transported the victim to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he was later pronounced deceased. He has been identified as Alijah Thomas-Hayden.
Investigators detained 15-year-old Riley Doubt, who was taken to police headquarters for questioning in connection with the incident.
According to authorities, surveillance footage captured a brief altercation between the two teens prior to the shooting. Investigators say the video shows a “tussle” between Thomas-Hayden and Doubt before the two separated.
Police allege that moments later, Doubt pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victim. The footage reportedly shows Thomas-Hayden falling out of view as Doubt fled the scene. Investigators stated that Thomas-Hayden did not appear to be armed at the time of the shooting.
During questioning, authorities say Doubt claimed he believed Thomas-Hayden had a gun, though he admitted he never actually saw one. He also allegedly told investigators that he disposed of the firearm in a portable toilet after the incident.
Doubt is facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm by a minor, and tampering with evidence.
The case remains under investigation by detectives with the Violent Crime Unit as authorities continue reviewing evidence and surveillance footage.
Officials say no further details are available at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
