Shooting victim found dead at Homestead playground

HOMESTEAD, Pa. — A man was shot to death near a playground in Homestead early Tuesday.

Police responded to a call for shots fired at the corner of Sarah Street and West Oak Way shortly before 2 a.m.

FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

• Terminally ill country star gives daughter 'last kiss,' falls into 'deep sleep'
• Judge rules in favor of landlord to evict Latitude 360 in Allegheny County
• 150 bricks of heroin, $50,000 in cash seized in Bellevue drug bust
• ICYMI: Photos of St. Clair newborns dressed up as 'Leap Day' frogs

When officers arrived, they found the 20-year-old man's body laying at the bottom of a set of stairs, next to the playground entrance.

"It's a shortcut and it takes them from Sarah Street up to the extension up to Hayes, so it's very common for people to use," Homestead Police Chief Jeff DeSimone said.

The victim, identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office as Tyrell Jones, had been shot several times in the neck and head.

"He was like my brother. He was really cool. He was fun to be around," Nakata Lewis, who knew Jones, said. "We got more tears to come and it's just going to be hard."

Police brought dogs to the area to search for a suspect but they did not immediately find anyone.

They are asking witnesses to come forward.

"I beg them, they are our eyes and ears. Time will tell. Hopefully we can see daylight at the end of the tunnel and this will be solved," DeSimone said.

Anyone who may have heard or seen anything is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit at 412-473-1300. Callers may remain anonymous.  

They can also be reached via social media.

WPXI