Trial underway for Wilkinsburg man accused of murdering father of Pitt, NBA star

PITTSBURGH — In her opening statements, assistant attorney Alison Bragle told jurors Gregory Lamont Blair was shot and killed following an argument with Dilon Bartifay. She stated that Blair addressed Bartifay that night because he believed Bartifay had harassed his friend while she waited for a Lyft.

Bartifay is the 34-year-old Wilkinsburg man accused of killing Gregory Lamont Blair Sr., 46, on the night of Nov. 16, 2019, more than two years ago.

During Thursday’s hearing, a neighbor, the county medical examiner and a host of other witnesses testified in the Dilon Bartifay case.

Gregory Blair Sr. is the father of the University of Pittsburgh and NBA star DeJuan Blair.

Several family members were present in court, including Gregory Blair’s daughter, who was visibly upset at moments during Thursday’s hearing as the prosecution went through forensics, including photos of her father’s body.

During testimony on Thursday afternoon, the county medical examiner confirmed Blair was shot in the neck, head-on. An analyst with the Allegheny County crime lab confirmed Bartifay’s clothing worn the night of the shooting had gunshot residue on the sleeve. Bartifay’s former roommate testified he had gone out that night before he heard gunshots and returned a short time after.

The prosection’s final witness was Antonio Williams, the man that defense attorney Nina Martinelli said was responsible for the shooting. During Williams’ testimony, he asserted his innocence and explained what he saw the night of Nov. 16. Williams testified that he did not see Bartifay shoot Blair. His testimony matched the original statement he gave to police two years earlier.

Williams shared with the jury that Blair did approach him that night and questioned him about harassing his friend, but he stated that after he told Blair he did not speak to or harass the woman, Blair left and appeared to go back to his apartment. Williams stated that is when he heard the gunshot.

The prosecution wrapped Thursday evening. The defense will begin their case Friday morning.

Baritfay is currently facing a mandatory life sentence for first-degree murder.

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