Mother of victim in Lincoln Place shooting speaks out against suspect's story

The mother of the man shot to death by his friend does not believe the shooting was an accident.

John Roberts, 21, was shot and killed by his friend – Jakeub Nace, 21 – in the basement of a home in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln Place neighborhood.

At first, police considered it an accidental shooting, but after Pittsburgh Police consulted with the District Attorney’s Office, they charged Nace with criminal homicide.

Police reports said the men were in the basement when Nace picked up an assault rifle that was lying on the floor, pointed it at Roberts and pulled the trigger.

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The victim’s mother, Tammy Bilski, said she doesn’t believe Nace’s explanation of the incident.

“I don't feel for him. I think it's all just an act trying to get some pity,” said Bilski. “That's how I look at it. I feel he has no conscience. If you can pick it up and point it at someone, you have no conscience. You don't care what the outcome is. He's heartless."

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Police are investigating a fatal shooting in a Pittsburgh neighborhood that is being referred to as accidental.

Police said two men were playing around with a gun in a basement-level room when the gun accidentally went off, killing one of them.

The incident took place in a residence on the 5100 block of Lougean Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln Place neighborhood around 5:15 p.m. Saturday.

John Roberts, 21, was taken to the hospital and later died after being shot in the chest, according to a news release.

Police arrested Jakeub Nace, 21, on one charge of criminal homicide Saturday night.

Channel 11's Gabriella DeLuca spoke briefly with Nace as he was being placed in a police car.

"He was my brother," Nace said. "This was not intentional. I would never do something like this to him."

Police said both Nace and Roberts were visiting another friend’s home when the shooting occurred.

Channel 11’s Gabriella DeLuca was on scene and spoke with police and neighbors that witnessed the aftermath of the shooting.

One neighbor said there were several people at the house when the gun went off, including a baby.

Cox Media Group