Family says goodbye to man shot, killed in McKeesport last week

MCKEESPORT, Pa. — After a violent week in McKeesport, Allegheny County police are still investigating what led up to a shooting that claimed the life of two people, including 30-year-old Jordan Eubanks.

Eubanks’ family described him as kind and respectful.

His family said on the day he was killed, he was simply trying to get a group of men who were smoking marijuana and cursing loudly in front of his home to move.

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Eubanks’ aunt said that her nephew was new to the area.

“He spoke about his life and how he was excited about his new beginning. He had just been in that apartment for eight months; he was doing things. He didn’t have anybody do anything for him. He wanted to do everything on his own,” said Ingrid Eubanks.

Last Wednesday at 1 p.m., police were called to Crawford Village for a reported shooting. When they arrived, they found three men shot — Eubanks was one of them. According to police he had been shot in the chest and was taken by helicopter to Mercy Hospital where he later died.

On Thursday afternoon, family and friends of Eubanks released balloons and gathered in East Pittsburgh to say their final goodbyes.

Eubanks’ mother, Ebony Smith, reflected on the last conversation she had with her son.

She said she had called him earlier in the day to check on him because there had been a shooting just blocks from him. He answered and she was relieved.

“He said, ‘Mom, I just got up, I’m doing alright. I’ll see you later.’ I told him I love him and to be safe,” said Smith.

But Smith said she couldn’t shake the anxiety that came over her body.

Just a few hours later, she would learn that her son was shot and killed in front of his home.

His parents told Channel 11 News they wish more was done to protect their son.

“He didn’t ask for this — it was brought to him. I don’t know if it was the same group of individuals, but it’s not the first time,” said Smith.

Eubanks’ stepfather urged for more police patrols.

“Why don’t they put the police on the streets where the hot spots are? I am not saying they’re all bad, but come on now - there are enough cops that when you know something is going on, put a patrol car there,” said Damien Lee Smith.

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