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Relatives of women found beaten to death trying to move forward; Still no suspect ID'd

PITTSBURGH — Relatives of two women found beaten to death inside an East Hills home last week say their deaths will not become a cold case.

April Crumpton told Channel 11 News that her mother, 72-year-old Valerie Crumpton, took care of everyone in her neighborhood and now she’s calling on them for help.

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Valerie Crumpton and her 19-year-old granddaughter, Tionna Banks, were found slain in Valerie Crumpton’s East Hills home last week. Banks’ young son, Vaughn, was missing for several hours after the women’s bodies were discovered, but he is now in a safe place, investigators said.

“He’s going to grow up without a mom,” said April Crumpton.

While he hasn’t been named a suspect in the murders, Pittsburgh police continue to look for Banks’ ex-boyfriend, Cesar Mazza, who is wanted for skipping a protection from abuse hearing.

Crumpton said she didn't know her niece was in an abusive relationship and wishes she could've intervened.

"We have to save the next because I don't want anybody's voices ever going silent because of this,” she said. “The manner in which they died was disrespectful, without dignity and inhumane."

Crumpton hopes the community her mother helped so often will now assist in giving her the funeral she deserves.

"To turn that situation over to a good home that's filled with love, dignity, respect and compassion that's what I want,” she said.

Crumpton has set up a fund to raise funds for her mother and niece’s funerals.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the Valerie Crumpton, Tionna and Vaughn Banks Memorial Fund can do so by visiting any PNC Bank branch.

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