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‘A beautiful person.’ Loved ones remember mother shot, killed while driving through Lawrenceville

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are investigating after a woman was found shot to death inside her car in Lawrenceville.

According to police, the shooting happened around 9 p.m. in the 4400 block of Davison Street off Service Way -- which is just minutes from Arsenal Bowl on Butler Street and UPMC Children’s Hospital.

Phil Neumann, of Lawrenceville, described the incident as “unthinkable.”

“We actually have a friend that lives right there on the block,” Neumann said. “It was just shocking that you know, that someone could get shot in the head right there. I mean if it can happen here can happen anywhere right?”

Investigators said the 22-year-old woman -- Katara Lashai Bray -- was driving when she was shot in the head. Her vehicle drifted for about half a block and crashed into a pole. Bray, of McKeesport, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her smile, how she always came in,” said Gloria Lee. “She was a beautiful person, a beautiful soul. She lit up everywhere she went.”

Bray’s loved ones and friends are still shocked at what happened.

“To take a mother like that from her children, somebody who wasn’t even in the streets, it’s very sad,” Lee said. “We want justice.”

It’s unclear what led to the deadly shooting, and police have not released any details about the suspected shooter.