PITTSBURGH — The family of a barbershop owner who was fatally shot in May during a home invasion in Pittsburgh’s Crafton Heights neighborhood is offering a reward in hopes of solving his murder.
Police said 40-year-old Thomas Cheeks was shot to death, as was the family dog, on May 24. Cheeks’ wife said she was held at gunpoint by two masked men, and their now-15-year-old son was also home at the time and hid in a closet.
Six months after Cheeks’ death, his family has not gotten any answers and is offering $5,000 of their own money.
Heidi Cheeks, Thomas Cheeks’ wife, is holding onto memories of her husband as she searches for justice. The couple knew one another since they were 13 years old.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure,” she said. “We live our life day by day now. Nothing is the same. You have to adapt to everything: your schedule, your life, your work.”
Heidi Cheeks said her husband’s passions were his family and his barbershop. She said she sees her husband’s traits in their son, Xavier.
“He had a smile that could light up a room. Everyone loved him. He was so well liked. He wanted to, if he could, save the world,” Heidi Cheeks said.
In addition to the money being offered by Thomas Cheeks’ family, Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
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