Trash collectors find body in McKeesport alley

McKEESPORT, Pa. — A body was found Wednesday morning in an alley in McKeesport, officials said.

Allegheny County Homicide detectives and the county medical examiner’s office were called to Hilty Alley off Maple Street. Shell casings were found nearby.

Investigators said they first received a call Monday evening reporting gunshots in the area, but nothing was found.

“Police responded and were unable to locate any ballistic evidence or victims or anybody to point them closer in the direction,” Allegheny County Police Lt. Andy Sherman said.

On Wednesday morning, the body of a 21-year-old man, who was later identified as Jesi Jefferson, was discovered by trash collectors, police said. It is believed that Jefferson was the victim of Monday’s shooting; however, his cause and manner of death are pending.

Authorities said there was another murder near the same area last year. Neighbors told Channel 11 News that they’re fed up with the violence and feeling unsafe in their neighborhood.

“I have to move. This has been going on for like a month now, heavy activity in the middle of the night in this alley. I've called the police several times about this alley,” a woman, who did not want to be identified, said. “I can't live like that, and I don't want my children to live like that.”

Cox Media Group