11 Investigates: Allegheny County sees its most violent month of 2026

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — It’s been a violent summer across Allegheny County. Detectives are investigating more than a dozen homicides in just the last few weeks. It marks a major uptick in a year that saw fewer homicides in the first half of the year.

11 Investigates examined homicide statistics for all of 2026 and found July was the most violent month of the year by far. Shootings and one stabbing left 13 people dead in Allegheny County. The numbers are concerning to community members, anti-violence advocates and police.

Of the 13 homicides in July, four happened within city limits and are being investigated by Pittsburgh police. There were two separate incidents in Bedford Dwellings, one on the Sheraden/Crafton Heights border and one in Northview Heights.

Allegheny County police detectives responded to nine homicides last month. They happened in Turtle Creek, Homestead, Stowe Township, Penn Hills, North Versailles and Clairton, which accounted for four homicides, including a double shooting and the killing of a pregnant woman.

Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph released a statement to 11 Investigates about the spike in violent crime last month, calling it “an unfortunately violent month.

“Our detectives are working diligently to solve these heinous acts, hold those responsible accountable, and bring justice to the victims’ families,” Joseph said.

Each crime devastates a family. Recent shootings, both fatal and non-fatal, have also lead to calls for peace. The recent violence in the Mon Valley has driven planned marches and large community meetings to discuss possible solutions.

11 Investigates found county police investigated more homicides in July of 2026 than the last five years and the second highest number in the last decade. The worst, 10 homicides, happened in July 2021 when violence rates spiked around the country.

2017: 3

2018: 4

2019: 6

2020: 5

2021: 10

2022: 3

2023: 1

2024: 5

2025: 2

2026: 9

The big question is why there has been a sudden uptick in violence. 11 Investigates asked investigators if any of the crimes are connected or acts of retaliation.

A city spokesperson said its July shootings do not appear to be connected.

A county police official would not say if any of the crimes are connected, citing the ongoing investigations. The official said retaliation is always a possible motive they investigate.

At last check, Pittsburgh Police have made arrests in three of the four homicides they investigated in July.

County police have made arrests in three cases, although several of the homicides occurred at the end of the month, so the investigations are in the early stages.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW