Father of 2 killed during McKeesport home invasion

McKEESPORT, Pa. — Authorities have identified the man who was killed during a home invasion Wednesday morning in McKeesport.

According to police, officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Versailles Avenue around 5:30 a.m. for the report of at least one person invading a home.

Upon arrival, the officers found a man, later identified as 24-year-old Brian Cook, fatally shot inside the house.

“He was a very good father,” Melissa McPherson, 19, said of her brother. “He was home all the time with his son.”

John Leggett, who said Cook was his best friend, described him as a devoted father who spent his time caring for his 1-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

“That's all he does is take care of his kids,” Leggett said. “He's so open to everybody. This is unbelievable.”

Leggett said Cook was known to host cookouts where anyone could stop by for a bite.

“If he was cooking out, you could come over and get a plate.” Leggett said. “I am so lost right now.”

Cook’s girlfriend was also injured during the home invasion. She was taken to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand.

Police said the couple was shot in bed while their 1-year-old son was inside the home

Channel 11’s Shelby Zarotney reported the child wasn’t injured during the home invasion and is now in the care of relatives.

“He was my baby,” Cook’s mother, Darlene Cook, said. “He was my only boy. I'm in shock.”

“It’s a life, a life God put on this earth, and nobody should be taken off this earth. It makes no sense,” Deborah Leggett said. “Every summer we have to bury these boys. Every summer.”

Investigators said it didn't appear anything was taken from the home, but referred further questions to Allegheny County police, who are investigating.

Issiah Long, who lives nearby, told Zarotney that he heard gunshots and then screams.

“I heard four shots and then I heard a woman’s voice say, ‘Don’t kill me. Don’t kill me. Don’t kill me,’” Long said.

No arrests have been made and police haven’t released any information about potential suspects.

Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE contributed to this report.

WPXI