Former police officer involved in deadly Wilkinsburg shooting rehired in Penn Hills

PENN HILLS — Nearly two years ago, 24-year-old Romir Talley was shot and killed in Wilkinsburg.

“Romir was shot by Officer Gowans in December 2019 and Wilkinsburg police don’t have dash cam or body cam, so there are no video no witnesses,” said Paul Jubas, who is Romir Talley’s family attorney.

That’s Officer Robert Gowans whom police said on that night fired seven times killing Talley, but not after Talley fired first.

Jubas said the entire case rests on Gowans’ word, who resigned from Wilkinsburg police — and the family doesn’t believe the detectives.

“That is the person who has told the story here so pretty shocking to find out there is another police department itching to bring on an officer that is willing to do that kind of stuff. What kind of message is that sending to your department,” Jubas said.

But this isn’t the first time Gowans was hired at Penn Hills Police. In May, the city council faced scrutiny for bringing him on board.

“There is still an ongoing investigation where he brutally murdered Romir Talley and he’s still allowed to patrol our streets like it didn’t happen,” said Kyna James, who’s with Alliance for APA.

Ultimately the council fired Gowans, but after filing an appeal and going before an arbitration panel, he was rehired with his first day on the job on Monday.

“The people of Penn Hills should be pissed; they should be afraid, and they should organize. They need to speak up and let their elected officials know this isn’t what they want in their community it’s time to speak up,” said Fawn Walker-Montgomery with Take Action Mon Valley.

Channel 11 asked the municipal manager about Gowans’ rehiring, but he said he didn’t have anything to say.

The District Attorney’s Office said they are still reviewing Talley’s case.

Mayor of Wilkinsburg talks to Channel 11 about Romir Talley investigation