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Police investigating Pitt student's murder seek ex-boyfriend

PITTSBURGH — UPDATE 4:45 P.M.: Police are looking for Matthew Darby, a former boyfriend of Alina Sheykhet's, and are seeking the public's help, they announced in a release.

Darby, 21, of Cranberry Township was arrested on Sept. 26 for allegedly breaking into Sheykhet's home, police said. Those charges resulted in Sheykhet filing a protection from abuse order against Darby.

Police did not call Darby a suspect in her death.

If anyone has information on Darby's whereabouts, they can call the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Violent Crime Unit at 412-323-7800.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M.: Pittsburgh police said Monday that they do not believe the death of the University of Pittsburgh student found murdered in Oakland Sunday was a random act of violence.

"We do not believe at this time that this was a random act of violence. There is no continued threat to Oakland residents and the university communities. However, releasing additional details at this time could be detrimental to the investigation. As with each homicide investigation, our primary interest is collecting sufficient evidence that can be successfully used in a court of law. I encourage anyone with information that could be helpful to call police headquarters and speak to a violent crime unit detective," Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said.

WPXI's Courtney Brennan is talking with investigators about leads and possible suspects in the case.  She'll have more on the investigation into Sheykhet's death on Channel 11 News beginning at 5 p.m.

Pitt student murder: 5 things to know about Alina Sheykhet

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A young woman’s homicide shocked neighbors in Oakland on Sunday, and police are not saying whether they have a motive or a suspect.

Alina Sheykhet, 20, was found unresponsive in a home in the 3500 block of Cable Place just before 9 a.m. She was declared dead at the scene, and police quickly determined the death a homicide.

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Police said the 20-year-old Pitt student died from blunt force trauma.

Artem Sheykhet, Alina Sheykhet’s brother, said he learned of his sister’s death upon waking up Sunday, which was his birthday.

Artem Sheykhet said his parents went to pick up his sister at her home and her roommates said she was still sleeping. When she didn't answer, their dad kicked in her door and found her on the floor.

Alina Sheykhet was going to school to become a physical therapist, according to her brother.

A University of Pittsburgh spokesman said the death happened at an off-campus home and police determined there was no further threat to the university community.

Neighbors said crimes like this don't happen in their neighborhood.

"Nothing happened. I'm 53 years in this house and never anything,” said Pasqua Sciulli.

"I've been living here (since) like 1963. Long time,” said Nancy D’Andrea. “The first time I ever see this in my life."

Toler said police are following leads but declined to offer details.

 

Cox Media Group

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