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Teen fatally shot in Hill District; Family makes emotional plea for answers

PITTSBURGH — An 18-year-old man was shot and killed in Pittsburgh’s Hill District late Wednesday night, and the victim’s family is pleading for answers.

Police said Earnest Williams, of Pittsburgh, was shot in the back just before 11:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Memory Lane.

“I’m shocked that I couldn’t do more. I couldn’t get him to say who did this to him,” said Chardai Warner, who helped Williams after the shots were fired.

Warner helped Williams after she heard the shots.

“I was able to get him to tell me his name, his first and last name, and he told me how old he was. He gave me his mother’s cellphone number,” Warner said.

Williams, who was set to graduate from University Prep next week, was transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he later died.

“My son was a good kid. He wasn’t involved in drugs. He was about to graduate June 7 and start college in the fall. He didn’t deserve what happened to him,” Williams’ mother, Carla Staten, said.

So far, no arrests have been made. Williams’ family is asking anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.

“I hope and pray that God forgives you because right now I just can’t do it,” said Gloria Bracey, Williams’ grandmother.